The ethical writings of Alexander of Aphrodisias and of Plotinus both contain discussions on the thesis of the mutual implication of the virtues, which states that having one virtue implies having...Show moreThe ethical writings of Alexander of Aphrodisias and of Plotinus both contain discussions on the thesis of the mutual implication of the virtues, which states that having one virtue implies having them all. Their discussions are furthermore marked by the same term, namely antakolouthein (‘to be reciprocally implied’). Combined with the fact that there are other already established connections between Alexander and Plotinus, these facts raise the interesting question of to what degree Plotinus participates in the debate on the mutual implication of the virtues as is visible in Alexander of Aphrodisias’ Ethical Problems and Mantissa? This thesis provides an answer to this question by comparing both philosophers on the topic of mutual implication of the virtues and by pointing out the differences and similarities. The debate on the mutual implication and the different perspectives will be discussed, as well as the Stoics as opponents in the debate, Aristotle as background to Alexander and the origin of the debate and of the term antakolouthein.Show less
Research master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)
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Does every individual human being have its own Form in the intellectual world? In contrast with his Platonic forerunners, Plotinus presents in Ennead V.7 an original approach to this controversial...Show moreDoes every individual human being have its own Form in the intellectual world? In contrast with his Platonic forerunners, Plotinus presents in Ennead V.7 an original approach to this controversial question and does not hesitate to deal with the question with a perspective that is broader than purely metaphysical. He goes beyond his predecessors in trying to come up with a comprehensive and philosophically correct discussion and does not contend himself with a didactic and dogmatic repetition of the (presumed) Platonic point of view. By means of a structuralistic approach, this commentary demonstrates that Plotinus denies the existence of a Form of an individual, but instead posits an individual forming principle (logos) in the soul. In addition, it is shown that Augustine in his remarks on the Form of the individual is clearly inspired by Plotinus.Show less
