Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the life and mind of Plotinus (c. 204/5–270 CE), the Hellenized philosopher from Roman Egypt regarded by scholars as the founder of Neoplatonism. We follow his intense quest for wisdom, tracing his journey from his studies in Alexandria under Ammonius Saccas to his participation in a failed military expedition to Persia, which he joined in hopes of learning from Indian and Persian philosophers,.

We break down the core concepts of his massive literary work, the Enneads, which was compiled and edited by his student Porphyry,. Discussion points include:

• The Metaphysics of the One: Plotinus’s theory that all reality flows via emanation from a transcendent, singular source known as "the One," much like light radiates from the sun,.

• The Three Hypostases: The fundamental principles of his philosophy: the One, the Intellect (Nous), and the Soul,.

• Henosis: The goal of achieving ecstatic union with the divine, a state Porphyry claims Plotinus achieved four times during their acquaintance,.

• True Happiness: Why Plotinus believed authentic happiness is an internal state of the soul completely independent of the physical world or bodily discomfort,.

Finally, we examine his intellectual battles against Gnosticism and causal astrology, and discuss his profound legacy, which shaped the theology of St. Augustine, early Christianity, and Islamic philosophy,,,.