Enneads
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The Enneads is a collection of philosophical writings by Plotinus, a 3rd-century philosopher. The term "Enneads" comes from the Greek word for "nine," as the work is organized into six sets of nine treatises. Plotinus is considered the originator of Neoplatonism, a philosophical system that developed from Plato's ideas, incorporating elements from Aristotle and Stoicism.12
Neoplatonism posits a hierarchy of being, emanating from a supreme, ineffable principle called "the One" or "the Good." This principle is beyond all determination and description. From the One emanates Intellect (Nous), and from Intellect emanates Soul. The physical universe is the lowest level of this emanation. The Neoplatonic philosophy emphasizes a dual movement of "outgoing" from the One and "return" to the One through contemplation and self-discipline. Plotinus viewed philosophy as a path to spiritual purification and union with the divine.2
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PlatonismPlotinus and his philosophy…and his collected works, the Enneads (from the Greek enneas, “set of nine”—six sets of nine treatises each, arranged by his disciple Porphyry), are the first and greatest collection of Neoplatonic writings.
Read More…and his collected works, the Enneads (from the Greek enneas, “set of nine”—six sets of nine treatises each, arranged by his disciple Porphyry), are the first and greatest collection of Neoplatonic writings.
Read More- PlatonismRenaissance and later Platonism
…Neoplatonist works, above all the Enneads of Plotinus, became available in the original Greek in western Europe. As a result of this new acquaintance with the original texts, Platonic influences on Renaissance and post-Renaissance thought became even more complex and difficult to recognize than those on medieval thought. Older Neoplatonically…
Read More…Neoplatonist works, above all the Enneads of Plotinus, became available in the original Greek in western Europe. As a result of this new acquaintance with the original texts, Platonic influences on Renaissance and post-Renaissance thought became even more complex and difficult to recognize than those on medieval thought. Older Neoplatonically…
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