Plotinus Ennead I.1: What Is the Living Thing? What Is Man? Translation, with an Introduction, and Commentary (The Enneads of Plotinus) - Softcover

Gerard J.P. O'Daly (author)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1930972989 ISBN 13: 9781930972988

Publisher: Parmenides Publishing, 2018

Synopsis

Ennead I.1 is a succinct and concentrated analysis of key themes in Plotinus' psychology and ethics. It focuses on the soul-body relation, discussing various Platonic, Aristotelian, and Stoic views before arguing that there is only a soul-trace in the body (forming with the body a “compound”), while the reasoning soul itself is impassive and flawless. The soul-trace hypothesis is used to account for human emotions, beliefs, and perceptions, and human fallibility in general. Its problematic relation to our rational powers, as well as the question of moral responsibility, are explored. Plotinus develops his original and characteristic concept of the self or “we,” which is so called because it is investigated as something common to all humans (rather than a private individual self), and because it is multiple, referring to the reasoning soul or to the “living thing” composed of soul-trace and body. Plotinus explores the relation between the “we” and consciousness, and also its relation to the higher metaphysical entities, the Good, and Intellect.

About this title

About the Author

Gerard O’Daly is Emeritus Professor of Latin at University College London and former Dean of its Faculty of Arts and Humanities. His research has concentrated on philosophy and literature in late antiquity, and his books include Plotinus’ Philosophy of the Self (1973), Augustine’s Philosophy of Mind (1987), The Poetry of Boethius (1991), Augustine’s City of God: A Reader’s Guide (2004), and Days Linked by Song: Prudentius’ Cathemerinon (2012). Several of his articles are collected in Platonism Pagan and Christian: Studies in Plotinus and Augustine (2001).

From the Back Cover

"In Ennead I.1 Plotinus addresses the question of our own identity: what are we, and what is it that asks? O'Daly's new translation and his characteristically detailed and scholarly analysis will be an essential resource for anyone wishing to understand Plotinus' conception of ourselves as undying intelligences yoked, in this life, to the living thing which is our ordinary self. A notable edition to a valuable series."
--Stephen R. L. Clark, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Liverpool

"This is one of Plotinus' latest treatises, in which the author offers a concise but systematic overview of his views on the human soul, its cognitive and emotional dynamics, and its relation to the other levels of reality. In O'Daly's carefully wrought translation and commentary the reader finds a useful guide to help unravel Plotinus' occasionally cryptic line of argumentation and to penetrate into some of the most fascinating aspects of his philosophizing."
--Paul Kalligas, Professor of Ancient Philosophy, Director of the European Cultural Centre of Delphi

"O'Daly's commentary guides us through Plotinus' dense argumentation with admirable precision and clarity--it is especially noteworthy for its recognition of the great extent to which Plotinus is indebted to and in conversation with Aristotle, while differing from him at key points."
--Eric Perl, Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy
Loyola Marymount University

"This is a splendid work of scholarship, written by one of the great authorities on this domain."
--Riccardo Chiaradonna, Professor of Ancient Philosophy, Roma Tre University

"With an admirable introduction that places Ennead I.1 within the chronological and philosophical context of Plotinus' writings as a whole, a lucid and engaging translation, and extensive, helpful critical notes, O'Daly has done a valuable service to students of Plotinus and ancient philosophy in general--highly recommended."
--Gary Gabor, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Hamline University

"This is one of Plotinus' latest treatises, in which the author offers a concise but systematic overview of his views on the human soul, its cognitive and emotional dynamics, and its relation to the other levels of reality. In O'Daly's carefully wrought translation and commentary the reader finds a useful guide to help unravel Plotinus' occasionally cryptic line of argumentation and to penetrate into some of the most fascinating aspects of his philosophizing."
--Paul Kalligas, Professor of Ancient Philosophy, Director of the European Cultural Centre of Delphi

"O'Daly's commentary guides us through Plotinus' dense argumentation with admirable precision and clarity--it is especially noteworthy for its recognition of the great extent to which Plotinus is indebted to and in conversation with Aristotle, while differing from him at key points."
--Eric Perl, Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy
Loyola Marymount University

"This is a splendid work of scholarship, written by one of the great authorities on this domain."
--Riccardo Chiaradonna, Professor of Ancient Philosophy, Roma Tre University

"With an admirable introduction that places Ennead I.1 within the chronological and philosophical context of Plotinus' writings as a whole, a lucid and engaging translation, and extensive, helpful critical notes, O'Daly has done a valuable service to students of Plotinus and ancient philosophy in general--highly recommended."
--Gary Gabor, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Hamline University

Edition details

• Publisher: Parmenides Publishing
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1930972989
• ISBN 13: 9781930972988
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 227