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Reading Plotinus: A Practical Introduction to Neoplatonism (History of Philosophy)

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Also available in a hardcover edition (1557532338, $58.95), Reading Plotinus: A Practical Introduction To Neo-Platonism by KevinCorrigan (Visiting Professor, Humanities Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Corrigan and Professor of Classics and Philosophy, St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan, Canada). Plotinus (204/205-270) was a philosopher whose kindly views on the soul, time and eternity, free will, and other topics earned him the respect and admiration of those close to him, and derisive insults such as "big driveller" and "plagiarist" by those who did not. His advanced views are presented in a fluid translation of their original text, followed by an extensive and exhaustive commentary. A thorough and far-reaching academic sourcebook, intended especially for college students of philosophy, but also containing deeply spiritual contemplations that will resonate with the seeker of mystical matters about the soul, the afterlife, and oneness with the universe. Additional chapters offer a broad-reaching summary and insight into Plotinus' views as a whole, as well as bit-by-bit analysis. An excellent resource and reference for college libraries or any student of Plotinus and Neo-Platonism.

This compilation is by no means a comprehensive look at the writings of Plotinus, the man known as the founder of Neoplatonism--only certain Enneads are produced in translation and are commented upon--but that is not Corrigan's intent. The purpose of this book is to highlight certain key concepts from Plotinus's revolutionary brand of Platonism so that the reader can become reasonably familiar with them prior to diving into the Enneads as a whole.

In this respect, the book is a success. The translations and subsequent commentaries are arranged by topic and need not be read in order from first to last. And the reader should be reasonably well versed in core ideas such as the hypostases, the nature of the soul, etc., at least insofar as any commentator really understands the thoughts of Plotinus on these matters. The downside is that Corrigan opts for a very literal translation, and unfortunately Plotinus is already a writer infamous for his inability to be rendered clearly into English. That being the case, the casual reader would perhaps be better suited reading the commentary first, then reading and rereading the translated passages until it makes some kind of sense. But Plotinus is difficult in any medium, and someone new to this very sophisticated philosophical system could do worse than to start here.