Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
In this book, David J. Yount argues, against the received opinion, that there are no essential differences between the metaphysics of Plato and Plotinus. Yount covers the One or Good, Beauty, Intellect, (the intelligible region, God and gods, Demiurge, Forms/Ideas, and the Five Greatest Kinds), the All-Soul, the Three Hypostases (the One, Intellect, and the All-Soul), Emanation, and Matter.
By addressing the interpretative issues that surround the authenticity of Platos works, Plotinus: The Platonist argues against the commonly held view that Plotinus is best interpreted as a Neo-Platonist rather than simply a Platonist.
Yount presents quotations and explanations from each philosopher to show that there are no essential differences in the aforementioned metaphysical entities, and concludes comprehensively by addressing five general objections to his view that Plato and Plotinus do not essentially differ on metaphysics.
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
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