Launching Points to the Realm of Mind
Introduction to the Neoplatonic Philosophy of Plotinus
Porphyry
ISBN: | 9780933999596 |
Publisher: | Phanes Press,U.S. |
Published: | 1 February, 1989 |
Format: | Paperback |
Language: | English |
Links | Australian Libraries (Trove) |
Launching Points to the Realm of Mind
Introduction to the Neoplatonic Philosophy of Plotinus
Porphyry
Porphyry's Launching Points to the Intelligible,' properly known as the
Sententiae,' is a concise and powerful summation of the main principles of Plotinian Platonism. Essentially it is a paraphrase (hence the title the "Sentences") of many of the central doctrines in the Enneads' and therefore is a good introductory guide for Plotinian and post-Plotinian Platonism, in general. The over-riding theme to the
Sententiae,' however, is primarily ethical and is reminiscent of the Phaedo, as it champions philosophy as a preparation for death through divine gnosis and civic virtue (liberating one's true-self from the body), culminating with the soul's return to the Intelligible World of Ideas. This short, but vigorous guide to neo-Platonism, will indeed serve as a "launching point" for further inquiry and it is recommended, along with the Middle-Platonist, Alcinous' `Handbook' on Plato, for those just becoming affiliated with neo-Platonism.
Shop Preferences
Customize which shops to display. You can include the following shops by logging in to change your settings.