Plotinus or the Simplicity of Vision - Softcover

Hadot, Pierre

 
9780226311944: Plotinus or the Simplicity of Vision
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0226311945 ISBN 13: 9780226311944
Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 1998

Synopsis

Since its original publication in France in 1963, Pierre Hadot's lively philosophical portrait of Plotinus remains the preeminent introduction to the man and his thought. Michael Chase's lucid translation—complete with a useful chronology and analytical bibliography—at last makes this book available to the English-speaking world.

Hadot carefully examines Plotinus's views on the self, existence, love, virtue, gentleness, and solitude. He shows that Plotinus, like other philosophers of his day, believed that Plato and Aristotle had already articulated the essential truths; for him, the purpose of practicing philosophy was not to profess new truths but to engage in spiritual exercises so as to live philosophically. Seen in this light, Plotinus's counsel against fixation on the body and all earthly matters stemmed not from disgust or fear, but rather from his awareness of the negative effect that bodily preoccupation and material concern could have on spiritual exercises.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Synopsis

Since its original publication in France in 1963, Pierre Hadot's lively philosophical portrait of Plotinus remains the preeminent introduction to the man and his thought. Michael Chase's lucid translation--complete with a useful chronology and analytical bibliography--at last makes this book available to the English-speaking world. Hadot carefully examines Plotinus's views on the self, existence, love, virtue, gentleness, and solitude. He shows that Plotinus, like other philosophers of his day, believed that Plato and Aristotle had already articulated the essential truths; for him, the purpose of practicing philosophy was not to profess new truths but to engage in spiritual exercises so as to live philosophically. Seen in this light, Plotinus's counsel against fixation on the body and all earthly matters stemmed not from disgust or fear, but rather from his awareness of the negative effect that bodily preoccupation and material concern could have on spiritual exercises.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Publication date
1998
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0226311945
ISBN 13 
9780226311944
Binding
Paperback
Number of pages
145

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780226311937: Plotinus or the Simplicity of Vision

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0226311937 ISBN 13:  9780226311937
Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 1993
Hardcover