Plotinus on Care of Self and Soul

Authors

  • Daniel Regnier St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-4105_21_10

Keywords:

Care, Self, Soul, Plotinus, Virtue

Abstract

Plotinus’ philosophical project includes an important Socratic element. Plotinus is  namely interested in both self-knowledge and care of soul and self.  In this study I examine how through his interpretation of three passages from Plato (Timaeus 35 a, Phaedrus 246 band Theatetus 176 a-b), Plotinus develops an account of the role of care in his ethics.  Care in Plotinus’ ethical thought takes three forms. First of all, care is involved in maintaining the unity of the embodied self.  Secondly, situated in a providential universe, our souls – as sisters to the world soul - take part in the providential order by caring for ‘lower’ realities.  Finally, Plotinus develops an ethics of going beyond virtue, a process which involves care for the higher, potentially divine, self.

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Plato #21

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Published

2021-01-28

How to Cite

Regnier, D. (2021). Plotinus on Care of Self and Soul. PLATO JOURNAL, 21, 149-164. https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-4105_21_10

Issue

Vol. 21 (2021): Plato Journal #21

Section

Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2021 PLATO JOURNAL

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows sharing the work with recognition of authorship and initial publication in Antropologia Portuguesa journal.