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Plotinus and Neoplatonism
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The One
In Plotinus' Neoplatonism, 'The One' is the ultimate, transcendent origin of all existence and the source of all being. It is beyond all categories and predication and is ineffable.
Emanation
Emanation in Neoplatonism is the process through which all things come into being as the overflowing of the perfection of 'The One', through the Nous, and then the World Soul into the material world.
The Virtues
According to Plotinus, the virtues are habitual states that enable individuals to align their souls with the higher principles of Nous and 'The One', ultimately leading towards the Good Life.
The World Soul
The World Soul, in Plotinus' triad, is the principle that links the intellect (Nous) with the material world. It is an emanation from the Nous and gives form to matter.
Nous
In Plotinus' philosophy, the Nous is the intellect or Divine Mind that originates from 'The One'. It is the first emanation and contains the Forms or eternal ideas.
The Ascent of the Soul
The Ascent of the Soul is the process of spiritual realization and return to 'The One', through stages of philosophical contemplation, purification, and the shedding of materiality.
The Upward and Downward Path
Plotinus describes the soul's journey as having two paths: an upward path towards the divine, aligning with 'The One', and a downward path, falling away from the divine and becoming entangled in the material world.
Matter
In Plotinus' Neoplatonism, matter is the principle of potentiality and the substrate that receives the forms from the World Soul. It is considered the lowest level of reality and the furthest from 'The One'.
The Hierarchy of Beings
Plotinus conceptualizes a hierarchy of beings as a spectrum that ranges from 'The One' at the top, followed by the Nous, the World Soul, and finally matter at the bottom.
Intellectual Beauty
For Plotinus, Intellectual Beauty is the form of beauty found in the higher realms of reality, particularly in the realm of the Nous, where the Forms are the purest manifestations of beauty.
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