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Ennead 1/On the Life of Plotinus

Plotinus (204/5-270) was the 1st Neoplatonic philosopher. His writings were edited by his disciple Porphyry, who published them many years after his master's death in six sets of nine treatises each (the Enneads). Plotinus regarded Plato as his master. His own philosophy is an original development of the Platonism of the 1st two centuries of the Christian era & the closely related thought of the Neopythagoreans, with some influences from Aristotle & his followers & the Stoics, whose writings he knew well but used critically. He's a unique combination of mystic & Hellenic rationalist. His thought dominated later Greek philosophy & influenced both Christians & Moslems, & is continues today owing to its union of rationality & intense religious experience.

In his edition of Plotinus, Armstrong provides excellent introductions to each treatise. His invaluable notes explain obscure passages & give reference to parallels in Plotinus & others.

  • Format
  • hardcover
  • Pages
  • 368
  • Language
  • english
  • ISBN
  • 9780674994843
  • Genres
  • philosophy, theory
  • Release date
  • 1969