Plotinus: Myth, Metaphor, and Philosophical Practice

by Stephen R.L. Clark

“A bold work that applies a new approach to the interpretation of the thought of the founder of Neoplatonism . . . beautifully written.” —Notre Dame Philosophical ReviewsPlotinus, the Roman philosopher (c. 204-270 CE) who is widely regarded as the founder of Neoplatonism, was also the creator of numerous myths, images, and metaphors. They have influenced both secular philosophers and Christian and Muslim theologians, but have frequently been dismissed by modern scholars as merely ornamental. In this book, distinguished philosopher Stephen R. L. Clark shows that they form a vital set of spiritual exercises by which individuals can achieve one of Plotinus’s most important self-transformation through contemplation.Clark examines a variety of Plotinus’s myths and metaphors within the cultural and philosophical context of his time, asking probing questions about their contemplative effects. What is it, for example, to “think away the spatiality” of material things? What state of mind is Plotinus recommending when he speaks of love, or drunkenness, or nakedness? What star-like consciousness is intended when he declares that we were once stars or are stars eternally? What does it mean to say that the soul goes around God? And how are we supposed to “bring the god in us back to the god in all?” Through these rich images and structures, Clark casts Plotinus as a philosopher deeply concerned with philosophy as a way of life.“Highly enjoyable . . . His book is the tool by which we learn to read Plotinus in a dynamic way that transforms our very selves.” —Classical World

Genres: Philosophy

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2016

Reviews

[Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quite a few books that explore the Platonic tradition, but none that breathe into it the breath of life as Stephen R. L. Clark has here. The metaphysical arguments of Platonism have been revitalized by David Bentley Hart, Eric Perl, and others, but Clark goes further, reconstructing Plotinus's imaginal world in a way faithful to his immediate context but also informed by other figures in the tradition and kindred souls outside. With fresh energy and without sacrificing academic scrupulosity, Clark presents a way of thought and life directed toward Beauty and the Good, conveyed through a series of images and symbols that have not lost all their potency with the centuries.

Clark operates on the conviction that Plotinus's project remains both philosophically meaningful and spiritually useful. If you are inclined to the perennial pursuit of wisdom, take Clark as your guide over the landscape of Plotininian myth and metaphor, and you will find numerous gems of insight along the way.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long and somewhat rambling book. The main things I took away were that Plotinus could conceivably be read as a non-gnostic and possibly as non-ascetic. He basically is more about removing intellectual prejudice and emotionally held opinions, and ultimately about sanctification. Clark had his best stuff about matter, mind, and the one at the end of the book, but I think those themes are probably better found elsewhere. Some good stuff on not being boutique in one's intellectual life were compelling and resonated with Escalante's essay at the end of the Davenant volume on Christian Philosophy. Anyway, this was more an okay book than a great one, but yes sometime I need to read Enneads.

[Cw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me think about psychology, the use of myths and metaphors, and explains how Plotinus, in many parts of the Enneads, was writing a meditation guide. Also, the section at the end going over the hypostases is always helpful. They can be a little hard to wrap your mind around.

[Ooniemme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best secondary book on Plotinus I've read

[C. Clarke · Rating 2 out of 5]

too superficial an account for my purposes