Plato and Plotinus on Mysticism, Epistemology, and Ethics

by David J. Yount

Overview

This book argues against the common view that there are no essential differences between Plato and the Neoplatonist philosopher, Plotinus, on the issues of mysticism, epistemology, and ethics. Beginning by examining the ways in which Plato and Plotinus claim that it is possible to have an ultimate experience that answers the most significant philosophical questions, David J. Yount provides an extended analysis of why we should interpret both philosophers as mystics. The book then moves on to demonstrate that both philosophers share a belief in non-discursive knowledge and the methods to attain it, including dialectic and recollection, and shows that they do not essentially differ on any significant views on ethics.

Making extensive use of primary and secondary sources, Plato and Plotinus on Mysticism, Epistemology and Ethics shows the similarities between the thought of these two philosophers on a variety of philosophical questions, such as meditation, divination, wisdom, knowledge, truth, happiness and love.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350082182
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/23/2018
Series:	Bloomsbury Studies in Ancient Philosophy
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

David J. Yount is Professor of Philosophy and former chair of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Mesa Community College, USA.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
1. The Ultimate Experience: The Evidence of Mysticism in Plato and Plotinus
2. Epistemology: Plato and Plotinus on Knowledge
3. Ethics: Plato and Plotinus on Happiness, How to Live, and How Not to Live
4. Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index Locorum
General Index

Editorial Reviews

The book offers a felicitous opportunity for mining primary and secondary sources for anyone who is interested in the subjects of Platonic discursive and non-discursive thought, the tension between spiritual ascent and epistemology, or between divine gift and human virtue.” —Jourbanal of the History of Philosophy

“This book makes an in-depth, compelling case for essential similarities between the philosophical doctrines of Plato and Plotinus. It also provides a clear and concise introduction to those doctrines, and to scholarly issues surrounding its topic.” —Michael Wagner, Professor of Philosophy, University of San Diego, USA

“[This] book is highly accomplished in its scholarship and clear both in its structure and its style … [Its] grasp of the detail and its critical comparison are formidable.” —Bryn Mawr Classical Review

From the Publisher