Plotinus

Question 1

The one (or the good)

Answer 1

the one is the entity beyond all categories and is the source of all existence.

It is a perfect, infinite and indivisible unity

Question 2

Emanation

Answer 2

Plotinus believed that all real reality emanates from the one

Question 3

Hierarchy of reality

Answer 3

there is a hierarchical structure of reality where the one is at the top, followed by successive levels of reality emanating from it

Question 4

Individual souls

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Return to the one

Answer 5

the ultimate goal for individual souls is to achieve a mystical reunion with the one

Question 6

Transcendence of evil

Answer 6

evil is the result of a lack of goodness

by returning to the one, individuals can overcome the limitations associated with the material world