Virtues in Plotinus: The Theory of Purification and Assimilation (to God) in the Enneads (I,2,19)
This study aims to reveal Plotinus’ thoughts on morality, virtues and justice by focusing on the Enneads, the founding text of Neoplatonism. In order to achieve this, while chapters I, 2, 19 of the Enneads will be discussed in full detail, Üsûlûcyâ (Theology of Aristotle), the version of the work th...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | deu |
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Istanbul University Press
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Felsefe Arkivi |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://cdn.istanbul.edu.tr/file/JTA6CLJ8T5/0665CACEF0BC4DD99D49D65C7DCB6210 |
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| Summary: | This study aims to reveal Plotinus’ thoughts on morality, virtues and justice by focusing on the Enneads, the founding text of Neoplatonism. In order to achieve this, while chapters I, 2, 19 of the Enneads will be discussed in full detail, Üsûlûcyâ (Theology of Aristotle), the version of the work that was transferred to the Islamic world, will be referenced from time to time. Of course, the literature developing around this subject in the modern and contemporary period will not be ignored. It will be argued that Plotinus’ vision of virtue evolved to a different place than Plato and Aristotle, that the understanding of morality and the system of virtues before Plotinus were positioned in a more realistic place, and that his view turned into a semi-mystical philosophical moral vision shaped around the ideal of "assimilation to God". In addition, it will be concluded that although the virtues are used synonymously with wisdom, bravery, justice in the higher and lower worlds, the Spirit is identical with the virtues in the realm of divine Intelligence, and in the realm of sense, the soul, which is together with the body, should try to resemble God by acquiring the virtues through purification. Consequently, Plotinus’ being the owner of almost one of the two main metaphysical doctrines in the period from Plato to Descartes and his position in the view of Platonism, with its fundamental differences against Aristotelianism in terms of its power of influence, has created a transformation not only in metaphysical doctrine but also in the basis and understanding of moral philosophy. This individual-centered understanding, without denying the contribution of political virtues at the initial level of moral transformation, but aiming to attain the ideal of purification by turning to oneself and leaving behind the physical forms of perception of the soul and all boundaries, especially language, presented a human concept that differentiated itself from the previous perspectives and pioneered many of the subsequent philosophical, religious and mystical school. Considering the whole of Plotinus’ philosophy, it has been suggested that this turning inward does not mean ignoring the external world, that having virtue according to the determined standards in the external world is deemed insufficient, therefore, after this stage, it is argued that it is necessary to purify by turning inward. |
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| ISSN: | 2667-7644 |