Plotinus was one of antiquity’s most profound and elusive thinkers. As the founder of Neoplatonism, Plotinus proposed a radical vision of reality centered on the One —a transcendent, ineffable source from which all existence flows and to which all beings must ultimately return. His philosophy shaped centuries of metaphysical thought, deeply influencing early Christian, Islamic, and Renaissance thinkers.
Structured for clarity and depth, this book guides readers through Plotinus’ historical context in third-century Rome, his intellectual debts to Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics, and his distinctive metaphysical system of emanation. It explains his hierarchical vision of reality —from the One to the Intellect (Nous) to the Soul— and examines his ethical call to ascend inward through virtue and contemplation. Plotinus’ reinterpretation of Good and Evil, his reflections on death as the soul’s return to the intelligible realm, and his rejection of materialism are all presented in accessible, thematic language.
At the heart of the book is an exploration of Plotinus’ pivotal concept of the One, the absolute principle beyond being, thought, or distinction. This idea anchors his entire philosophy and invites comparisons with modern questions about unity, consciousness, and the limits of knowledge. Readers will encounter Plotinus’ belief that truth arises not from discursive reason but from direct intellectual vision —a luminous insight that unites knower and known in contemplative stillness.
This book frames Plotinus as a timeless voice urging us to look beyond the distractions of the material world. Can unity be real in a world of fragmentation? Is the Good something we find — or something we become? What does it mean to return to our source? Plotinus’ philosophy continues to speak to these questions with urgency and grace.
Ideal for readers new to philosophy, lifelong learners, or anyone seeking clarity without oversimplification.
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Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Plotinus was one of antiquity's most profound and elusive thinkers. As the founder of Neoplatonism, Plotinus proposed a radical vision of reality centered on the One -a transcendent, ineffable source from which all existence flows and to which all beings must ultimately return. His philosophy shaped centuries of metaphysical thought, deeply influencing early Christian, Islamic, and Renaissance thinkers.Structured for clarity and depth, this book guides readers through Plotinus' historical context in third-century Rome, his intellectual debts to Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics, and his distinctive metaphysical system of emanation. It explains his hierarchical vision of reality -from the One to the Intellect (Nous) to the Soul- and examines his ethical call to ascend inward through virtue and contemplation. Plotinus' reinterpretation of Good and Evil, his reflections on death as the soul's return to the intelligible realm, and his rejection of materialism are all presented in accessible, thematic language.At the heart of the book is an exploration of Plotinus' pivotal concept of the One, the absolute principle beyond being, thought, or distinction. This idea anchors his entire philosophy and invites comparisons with modern questions about unity, consciousness, and the limits of knowledge. Readers will encounter Plotinus' belief that truth arises not from discursive reason but from direct intellectual vision -a luminous insight that unites knower and known in contemplative stillness.This book frames Plotinus as a timeless voice urging us to look beyond the distractions of the material world. Can unity be real in a world of fragmentation? Is the Good something we find - or something we become? What does it mean to return to our source? Plotinus' philosophy continues to speak to these questions with urgency and grace.Ideal for readers new to philosophy, lifelong learners, or anyone seeking clarity without oversimplification. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9798339064558
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Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Plotinus: Complex Philosophy in Simple Terms offers a clear and accessible look at one of the most profound and enigmatic thinkers of antiquity. This book explores the essential ideas of Plotinus, the father of Neoplatonism, whose theory of "The One" laid the foundation for a new understanding of the universe, existence, and the relationship between humans and the divine. Throughout the book, readers are guided through Plotinus' philosophy, his vision of God as a transcendent unity, his concept of Good and Evil, and his deep reflections on death and the afterlife.Plotinus lived an introspective life, shunning fame and personal recognition. This book not only presents his complex ideas but also sheds light on his personal life: his commitment to a simple existence, his rejection of material distractions, and his relentless pursuit of spiritual truth. His doctrine of "The One" posits that all things emanate from a supreme and ineffable source, a principle that directs much of his thought and philosophical reflection.In Plotinus: Complex Philosophy in Simple Terms, readers will not only grasp his key philosophical concepts but also gain insight into his view of existence and the purpose of life. The book delves into his conception of Evil as merely the absence of Good, his belief that death is a transition of the soul to a higher realm of reality, and his insistence that humans can reconnect with the One through philosophical contemplation and the transcendence of worldly desires.This book is ideal for those looking to explore Neoplatonic philosophy for the first time, as well as for anyone seeking a more accessible way to understand the complex contributions of Plotinus. It also highlights why reading Plotinus is relevant in the modern era: his reflections on unity, transcendence, and human purpose remain deeply significant in a world marked by fragmentation and spiritual disconnection. With a straightforward yet profound approach, Plotinus: Complex Philosophy in Simple Terms allows readers to engage with the reflections of one of the great philosophers of history, while preserving the essence of his thought. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9798339064558
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