What philosophical concept is associated with Clement of Alexandria?

Clement of Alexandria is closely associated with Neoplatonism due to his integration of Platonic philosophy with Christian theology. Neoplatonism, which emerged in the third century, emphasizes the existence of a single source of all reality, often referred to as the One or the Good, from which emanates the material world. Clement adapted these ideas, utilizing them to explain the relationship between the divine and the material world, and to articulate how Christian revelation complements philosophical inquiry.

His writings reflect an effort to bridge the gap between faith and reason, suggesting that true knowledge is achieved through both philosophical principles and spiritual insight. This synthesis helped to shape early Christian thought and provided a foundation for later theological developments, particularly in understanding the nature of God and creation.

This connection to Neoplatonism distinguishes Clement's philosophical approach from other concepts like Montanism, which focuses on prophecy and the immediacy of the Spirit; agnosticism, which denotes uncertainty regarding the existence of God; and dualism, which poses a strict opposition between the spiritual and material realms. Each of those concepts addresses different philosophical concerns and does not align as closely with Clement’s core teachings as Neoplatonism does.