Plotinus
Plotinus | |
|---|---|
 Head in white marble. The identification as Plotinus is plausible but not proven. | |
| Born | c. 204/5 AD |
| Died | 270 (aged 64–65) AD Campania, Roman Empire |
| Education | |
Academic advisor | Ammonius Saccas |
| Philosophical work | |
| Era | Ancient philosophy |
| Region | Western philosophy |
| Neoplatonism | |
Notable students | Porphyry |
Main interests | Platonism, metaphysics, mysticism |
Notable works | The Enneads |
Notable ideas | Emanation of all things from the One Three main hypostases: the One, Intellect, and Soul Henosis |
Plotinus (/plɒˈtaɪnəs/; Ancient Greek: Πλωτῖνος, Plōtînos; c. 204/5 – 270 AD) was an ancient Greek philosopher, born and raised in Roman Egypt. He is widely regarded by modern scholars as the founder of Neoplatonism.
Plotinus was a student of the self-taught philosopher Ammonius Saccas, who belonged to the Platonic tradition. Historians in the 19th century coined the term "Neoplatonism" to describe Plotinus and his philosophy. This philosophical tradition was vastly influential during late antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.
In his metaphysical writings, Plotinus described three fundamental principles: the One, the Intellect, and the Soul. His works have inspired generations of pagan, Jewish, Christian, Gnostic, and early Islamic metaphysicians and mystics. His ideas shaped metaphysical works, particularly his work on duality of the One. These ideas later influenced several mainstream theological concepts within different religions.