Plotinus Flashcards
The one (or the good)
the one is the entity beyond all categories and is the source of all existence.
It is a perfect, infinite and indivisible unity
Emanation
Plotinus believed that all real reality emanates from the one
Hierarchy of reality
there is a hierarchical structure of reality where the one is at the top, followed by successive levels of reality emanating from it
Individual souls
souls emanate from the world souls
these individual souls are entangled with the material world but have the potential to ascend through reflection to reunite with the divine
Return to the one
the ultimate goal for individual souls is to achieve a mystical reunion with the one
Transcendence of evil
evil is the result of a lack of goodness
by returning to the one, individuals can overcome the limitations associated with the material world