Plotinus Ennead IV.4.30-45 & IV.5

Gary Gurtler has succeeded in the daunting taskof translating Plotinus idiosyncratic and elliptical Greek into reasonably colloquial modern English. . . .This illuminating study is indispensable reading for anyone wanting to know how a Plotinian Soul, issuing from a higher realm, is able to adapt to a world of space and time dependent upon Soul, but not always responsive to her needs.

Dr. Denis O Brien, Centre for the Study of the Platonic Tradition, Trinity College, Dublin

"In addition to an excellent commentary, Gurtler guides the reader through the maze of Plotinus writing with useful synopses and a clear and helpful introduction to each chapter. He supplies the context of ancient science (medicine and astronomy) and ancient philosophy, as well as, where appropriate, analogies from contemporary thought, providing readers with a model of how to approach this difficult and rewarding author.

Frederic M. Schroeder, Professor Emeritus, Queen s University, Ontario"Gurtler provides not only a work of expert translation and exegesis but the scope of the primary and secondary sources discussed are impressive. ...The focus of [his] work is the problem of Plotinus combination of a monistic principle with the derivation of a pluralistic ontology in one coherent metaphysical system. Of particular interest is his analysis of Plotinus s critique of Aristotle s divine"nous," the self-reflective structure of"noesis noeseos." The author compels us to re-examine"nous"and the One within the history of ancient philosophy and beyond. [This] resonates not only with those concerned with debates among ancient Platonists and Aristotelians on what constitutes"noesis"but also those who currently work in philosophy of mind and epistemology of religion.

Robert M. Berchman, Director and Senior Scholar, Forum for Advanced Studies Gaetano Massa, Rome

"Gurtler admirably highlights the extent to which modern reductionist and mechanistic theories align with the astrological determinism that Plotinus is opposing, and to which his holistic and organismic cosmology offers a compelling alternative.

Eric Perl, Professor of Philosophy, Loyola Marymount University

"Examining both the sympathy of the cosmos from its highest to lowest levels as well as the technical manifestation of soul in the material human body, Gurtler locates Plotinus' treatment of soul as drawing on and responding to the most advanced science, psychology, astronomy, and astrology of his day. This volume will be an essential reference for those doing future work on Plotinus' account of the soul and its activities."

Gary Gabor, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Hamline University

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