Plotinus the Platonist: A Comparative Account of Plato and Plotinus' Metaphysics

by David J. Yount

Overview

In this insightful new book David J. Yount argues, against received wisdom, that there are no essential differences between the metaphysics of Plato and Plotinus. Yount covers the core principles of Plotinian thought: The One or Good, Intellect, and All-Soul (the Three Hypostases), Beauty, God(s), Forms, Emanation, Matter, and Evil. After addressing the interpretive issues that surround the authenticity of Plato's works, Plotinus: The Platonist deftly argues against the commonly held view that Plotinus is best interpreted as a Neo-Platonist, proposing he should be thought of as a Platonist proper.

Yount presents thorough explanations and quotations from the works of each classical philosopher to demonstrate his thesis, concluding comprehensively that Plato and Plotinus do not essentially differ on their metaphysical conceptions. This is an ideal text for Plato and Plotinus scholars and academics, and excellent supplementary reading for upper-level undergraduates students and postgraduate students of ancient philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472575234
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	10/23/2014
Series:	Bloomsbury Studies in Ancient Philosophy
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
File size:	486 KB

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. The One or The Good: The Source of All Things
2. Beauty
3. Intellect: The Intelligible Region
4. The All-Soul or World-Soul
5. The Three Hypostases and Emanation
6. Matter: The Receptacle?
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index Locorum
General Index