Plotinus-Arg Philosophers

First published in 1999. We are fortunate in possessing a fascinating document The Life of Plotinus written by the philosopher Porphyry a pupil and associate of Plotinus for the last eight years of his life. The basic facts contained in this Life can be quickly recounted. Plotinus was likely a Greek born in Egypt in AD 205. It is possible though that he came from a Hellenized Egyptian or Roman family. In his 28th year Plotinus discovered in himself a thirst for philosophy. This is a collection of his works- Ennead I contains treatises on what Porphyry calls “ethical matters”; Enneads II–III contain treatises on natural philosophy or cosmology with some rationalizations for the inclusion of III. 4 5 7 and 8. Ennead IV concerns the soul; V Intellect or and VI being numbers and the One. The thematic unity of Enneads I IV and V is somewhat greater than the rest.