Bloomsbury Plotinus the Platonist: A Comparative Account of Plato and Plotinus' Metaphysics (Bloomsbury Studies in Ancient Philosophy)

In this book, David J. Yount argues, against the received opinion, that there are no essential differences between the metaphysics of Plato and Plotinus. Yount covers the One or Good, Beauty, Intellect, (the intelligible region, God and gods, Demiurge, Forms/Ideas, and the Five Greatest Kinds), the All-Soul, the Three Hypostases (the One, Intellect, and the All-Soul), Emanation, and Matter. By addressing the interpretative issues that surround the authenticity of Platos works, Plotinus: The Platonist argues against the commonly held view that Plotinus is best interpreted as a Neo-Platonist rather than simply a Platonist. Yount presents quotations and explanations from each philosopher to show that there are no essential differences in the aforementioned metaphysical entities, and concludes comprehensively by addressing five general objections to his view that Plato and Plotinus do not essentially differ on metaphysics. Review To the unseasoned reader of late ancient philosophy, the book offers a good introduction to the main concepts, principles, and structure of what lies beyond the realm of sense-perception. ... It is warmly welcomed. ― Classics IrelandVirtually no-one has examined in detail how far Plotinus’ metaphysics accurately represents the developed thought of Plato himself. Yount has made a bold and challenging attempt to do just that. ― John Rist, Father Kurt Pritzl, O.P., Chair in Philosophy, The Catholic University of America, USAThis book is plainly a labour of love, based on protracted and deep consideration of the works of both Plato and Plotinus, and a formidable command of the secondary authorities. Even if it will not convince all readers on all points, it will certainly provide all of us with much food for thought, and is warmly to be welcomed for that. ― John Dillon, Professor and Emeritus Fellow, Department of Classics, Trinity College Dublin, IrelandYount makes a vigorous and painstakingly constructed case for a claim that was never questioned in late antiquity and is now widely viewed as wrongheaded: Plotinus was the consummate exegete of the “Platonic revelation”. ― Lloyd P. Gerson FRSC, Professor of Philosophy, University of Toronto, CanadaThis is a very welcome, scholarly addition to the growing literature on Plotinus as a serious philosopher, whose work contributed so much to our understanding of Plato as well as to philosophical practice. ― Stephen R. L. Clark, Emeritus Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Liverpool, UKThis book is a concise but thorough treatment of a central issue in Plotinus scholarship – his fidelity to Plato's original texts and principles. Dr. Yount makes a compelling case for rethinking the relationship between Plotinus' so-called Neoplatonism and Classical Platonism. In so doing, he also provides a clear textually grounded introduction to Plotinus' and indirectly to Plato's philosophies. ― Michael Wagner, Professor of Philosophy, University of San Diego, USA About the Author David J. Yount is Professor of Philosophy and former chair of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Mesa Community College, USA.