The Problem of Evil in Plotinus (Classic Reprint)

B. A. G. Fuller

ISBN 10: 1440073139 / ISBN 13: 9781440073137

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book delves into the age -old philosophical question of evil, exploring its various forms and the ways in which it has been explained by thinkers throughout history. The author examines three main types of evil: metaphysical, physical, and moral. Metaphysical evil is understood as a fundamental dissatisfaction with finitude, while physical evil refers to the suffering and conflict that arise from the natural world. Moral evil, in contrast, encompasses the complexities of human will and the inevitable clashes of interests that lead to sin and imperfection. The author's analysis is particularly focused on the philosophical system of Plotinus, a prominent figure in Neoplatonism. Examining Plotinusââ â ¢s views on the nature of reality, the author explores his attempts to reconcile the existence of evil with a divine, benevolent source. The book's central theme revolves around the inherent tension between a monistic view of reality, where evil is ultimately an illusion or a necessary aspect of a greater good, and a dualistic view that acknowledges the independent reality of evil. The author probes the strengths and weaknesses of Plotinusââ â ¢s arguments, revealing the complexities of his thought and the enduring challenges of understanding the problem of evil. Ultimately, this book offers a thoughtful and engaging analysis of a timeless philosophical dilemma, offering insight into the enduring struggles and triumphs of human thought in the face of suffering and wrongdoing. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781440073137_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Problem of Evil in Plotinus (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1440073139
• ISBN 13: 9781440073137
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Greco-Roman Philosophy

About this title

Synopsis

Hook line : A clear, accessible guide to Plotinus’s ideas on emanation, evil, and the soul’s place in a perfect universe.

Plotinus on Evil explains how ancient thinkers shaped the problem of evil and how Plotinus tries to reconcile natural goods with metaphysical ideals. This edition surveys the main arguments about emanation, mind, soul, and the universe, showing how a monistic system can include both moral and physical evil without surrendering to them. It provides a framework for understanding how ancient thought has influenced later debates in theology and philosophy.

• Learn how emanation is used to connect the One to Mind, Soul, and the universe without making God the author of evil
• See how Plotinus distinguishes natural perfection from moral perfection and why both matter
• Explore comparisons with Stoicism, mysticism, and early religion to frame the problem of evil
• Follow the discussion of physical and moral evil and the role of the world in moral life

Ideal for readers of philosophy, ancient thought, and ethics who want a clear map of Plotinus’s approach to evil, perfection, and the structure of reality.

Book Description

This highly readable 1912 volume explores the complications surrounding the idea of evil in the works of Plotinus (204-270 BC), the ancient Greek philosopher regarded as the founder of Neoplatonism. The focus is the reconciliation of an omnipotent deity with the existence of an apparently contingent and imperfect world.