From the Alien to the Alone

by Gary M Gurtler

Plotinus' writing style is often criticized for lacking cohesion, but 'From the Alien to the Alone' demonstrates that his treatises are intricately structured, with each part contributing to a larger whole. This understanding aids in translating complex passages and reveals hidden structures. The book also clarifies Plotinus' use of imagery. For instance, light and warmth are not opposing forces, but complementary, with the soul transcending light and being more present than warmth. Similarly, the soul's impassibility doesn't imply a Cartesian gap, but rather, Plotinus tries to maintain the soul's nature by introducing a gap that doesn't make the body's existence problematic.

Unknown Binding

Published July 1, 2022