Neoplatonic writers have interpreted the Phaidon as the way to practice cathartic virtue. The cathartic virtue enables to pull away from the body and to convert to the intelligible. This purification leads to the true nature of the soul ; for example, this is possible being vegetarian. The difference between plotinian and post jamblichean psychology gives different meanings to this asceticism : for Plotinus, the asceticism leads back to the intelligible part of the soul, for Proclus, the asceticism is not a sufficient condition, theurgy is also necessary.
CLIL theme: 4127 -- SCIENCES HUMAINES ET SOCIALES, LETTRES -- Philosophie -- Philosophie éthique et politique