Contents
Plotinus
Developing the philosophy now called Neoplatonism around the One, intellect and soul.
On Beauty · On Intellectual Beauty
- Born
- c. 204
- Birthplace
- Roman Egypt
- Died
- 270
More people
Plotinus
Ancient philosopher who taught in Rome. His account of reality flowing from a single ultimate source influenced later Christian, Islamic and Jewish philosophy.
Early life
Egyptian origins
Born in Roman Egypt around 204 CE; reliable details of his family and childhood are scarce.
Alexandrian study
Studied with Ammonius Saccas in Alexandria before seeking further philosophical knowledge abroad.
Career
- 243
An eastern expedition
Joined Emperor Gordian III’s campaign, hoping to encounter Persian and Indian thought.
- 244
Teaching in Rome
Settled in Rome and gathered a philosophical circle.
- 253–269
Writing his philosophy
Composed treatises that his student Porphyry later arranged as the Enneads.
Ideas & writings
On Beauty
Asks how bodily beauty relates to the beauty of soul and intellect.
On Intellectual Beauty
Explores beauty in the intelligible world beyond physical objects.
On the Good or the One
Considers the ultimate source of reality and the soul’s approach to it.
Beyond philosophy
A practical guardian
Porphyry describes him caring for children entrusted to him by friends.
A student’s account
Much of his biography comes from Porphyry, whose account also describes his austere habits.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and references ↗Biography and contributions ↗Photo: Anonymous Unknown author — later sculptural depiction, not a contemporary likeness. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
