The philosophy of Plotinus. Translated by Joseph Thomas.

Brehier, Emile, 1876-1952. [La philosophie de Plotin. English]

Published by [Chicago] University of Chicago Press [1958].

About this Item

VG orig. maroon cloth. vii, 204, [1] p.; 22 cm. Introduction -- I Third century of our era -- II The "Enneads" -- III The fundamental problem in the philosophy of Plotinus -- IV The procession -- V The soul -- VI Intelligence-- VII The Orientalism of Plotinus -- VIII The One -- IX The sensible world and matter -- X Conclusion -- Author's biblio graphical note -- Index. --`This complex and possibly vague character of the system of Plotinus results from the fact that it contains a philosophic representation along with the religious representation of the universe. On the one hand, the universeis divided into the categories of the sacred and the profane. But, on the other hand, there is a rational connection between theformsof reality from consequence to principle;the universe has a meaning for reason.According toan ingenious remark of Inge,there is an inevitable conflict between these two conceptions, since the first presents reality as a hierarchy of values which register a positive or negative sign according to whetherthe soul is purified or becomes impure through contact with them. According to the second conception,on the contrary, the series of realities linkedbya tie intelligible to reason retains the same value everywhere and, so to speak, the same rights. This conflict enables us to understand more definitely the fundamental problem which occupied the thought of Plotinus and from which we shall see all the rest proceeding. The problem is: Can rationalism havea religious significance?How can the soul exist,soto speak, in its own right? How can the problem of destiny retain a meaning in a univ erse the formsofwhichare graduated according toa necessary law of reason?'. Binding is Hardcover.

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: The philosophy of Plotinus. Translated by Joseph Thomas.
• Publisher: [Chicago] University of Chicago Press [1958].