Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Langston, Douglas
Keywords
Plotinus, Enneads, Happiness, Knowledge, Proficient
Area of Concentration
Philosophy
Abstract
In this thesis I argue that the Proficient, the "truly happy person" of Plotinus's Enneads, is best understood as an incarnation of the Divine Mind (Chapter 2), a supernatural entity that imparts order to the sensible world. This entails that the Proficient has the epistemic privilege appropriate for such a being, which I articulate in detail (Chapter 3). If I am right in my contentions then there is a close connection between happiness and knowledge for Plotinus on which the Enneads is silent, but which I believe worthy of our serious consideration for manifold reasons (Conclusions).
Recommended Citation
Krieger, Arthur Larcinese, "Happiness Is Divine A Case for the Divinity of the Truly Happy Person of Plotinus's Enneads" (2012). Theses & ETDs. 4620.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4620