Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads

by Dominic J. O'Meara

This book is addressed to readers new to the Enneads . One of the greatest of ancient philosophers, Plotinus is attracting ever-increasing attention from those interested in ancient philosophy, late Antiquity, and the importance of this period for the Western intellectual tradition. O'Meara
presents a brief outline of Plotinus's life, and of the composition of the Enneads , placing Plotinus within the intellectual context of the philosophical schools and religious movements of his time. He then discusses selected Plotinian texts in relation to a number of central philosophical issues
to show how Plotinus's thinking on these issues evolved, and to assess the historical importance of his philosophy.

Genres: Philosophy, Academic, Religion

154 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 1993

Reviews

[Steven R. Kraaijeveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across Dominic O'Meara's Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads at a book sale and quickly purchased it. I love Plotinus and always enjoy reading about him. O'Meara's introduction is a good one; it is important to realize, however, that it is an introduction not so much to Plotinus the man/philosopher as to The Enneads—the fifty-four treatises by Plotinus (six sets of nine, or 'nines' (enneades in Greek) that were arranged by his most diligent student, Porphyry. There is a short introduction on Plotinus' Life and Works, which is good as far as it goes (there are more detailed works available in this area—like Eyjólfur K. Emilsson's book on Plotinus in the Routledge Philosopher series), but the real value of O'Meara's work is in the way that he manages to present the major ideas of The Enneads succinctly while avoiding superficiality. He covers a number of themes in a clear and well-structured way, bringing in Plotinus' intellectual influences and opponents wherever relevant and showing how Plotinus tried to defend Plato and his ideas while also going beyond them and thus making his own important contributions to philosophy.

There are short chapters on the following themes:

• Soul and Body
• The Relation between Sensible and Intelligible Reality
• Soul, Intellect, and the Forms
• Intellect and the One
• Speaking of the One
• The Derivation of All Things from the One (I & II)
• Evil
• Beauty
• The Return of Soul: Philosophy and Mysticism

There is also an interesting epilogue on Plotinus in Western Thought, as well as useful guides to further reading for each of the chapters. These are perhaps a little dated (the book was first published in 1993), but they cover many of the classic and most important works on Plotinus, if not the very latest scholarship. But that's hardly a flaw of the book—that's just how it goes.

[ciel]

appears to be a comprehensive and gentle intro to plotinus. particularly enjoyed comparisons to plato, aristotle, hellenistic schools, and christian mysticism dudes.

definitely looking forward to read the enneads now (at last)? also many questions about relating hegel and plotinus especially considering The One vs The Spirit & individual soul vs individual consciousness.

[Marcela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introductions, even if they are good, are usually unsatisfactory. Part of their nature is to leave you with the feeling that you have missed parts of the whole picture, so you have to take the further steps of delving into the depths of the subject.
I found this introduction, however, extremely satisfactory in a way I had never felt towards any introduction. Plotinus’ thought is very challenging, complex, and leaves space for many interpretations, and yet O’Meara has written an introduction that is complete, comprehensible, honest, and feels very faithful to Plotinus’ thought, with constant references to the sources. Also it is not merely an exposition of ideas, but a true philosophical dialogue with Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics and the Platonists. It even challenges Plotinus, asks him questions, shows apparent contradictions, but then looks for the best responses in his works.
Surpassed all my expectations. Great book.

[Michael Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing introduction to Neoplatonic thought. In many ways it is incredibly similar to the monistic school of Vedanta. The idea of the Divine Intellect or The One is similar to Brahman, and the idea of a Neoplatonic soul is similar to the Vedantic concept of the Atman. Adi Shankara was born in 700 CE (disputed), Plotinus was born in 204c. Both thinkers were quite distant apart in terms of geography and era, but their thoughts are incredibly similar. Midldle Platonism is dualistic and it is very similar to Samkhya, both subordinate the material in favor of the intellectual/spiritual. Highly recommend for anyone interested in Neoplatonism.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago I found this book, along with four volumes of the Enneads, at a used bookstore and, having mostly encountered Plotinus’ name in reading St. Augustine, bought them so that I might understand St. Augustine better. This was a difficult book for me. I often had to go back and reread. For one, I was unfamiliar with the subject matter, but also I think Plotinus’s writing is just obscure and abstract. O’Meara introduces Plotinus by first overviewing his life, works, and sources, then breaking his thought down into topics that build up in a sequence. The last chapter is a discussion of Plotinus’s influence in later philosophy, theology, and art. The book ends with thorough suggestions for further reading and a bibliography. I’m looking forward to diving into parts of the Enneads myself after reading this introduction.

[Bennett Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clear and illuminating exposition of Plotinus' thought is without parallel. It is the best introduction of Plotinus I have ever encountered. For those interest in Plotinus for his own sake, or for understanding Augustine (and Christian mysticism more broadly), it is indispensable.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the philosopher who influenced St. Augustine.

[Patrick Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite possibly the best introduction to the philosophy of Plotinus, communicated with clarity and brevity while still engaging with his ideas critically

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

At around 110 pages, this is a good enough introduction to the foremost Neoplatonist.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent companion guide for reading Plotinus. No idea why this print on demand book has to cost $50, however. Probably because there are desperate people like me who will pay it!

[Joel Zartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough, but coherent and lucid. Most helpful.