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Plotinus, The Platonist explores the epistemological, metaphysical, and ethical views of both Plato and Plotinus, demonstrating through juxtaposition that the views of each man go beyond similarity—they are essentially the same on some 180 different major and minor claims. Yount takes this comparison further, postulating that both Plotinus and Plato are best typified as mystics, as in their respective writings both describe their version of “The Ultimate Experience.”
In Plotinian texts, this ultimate experience is characterized by having a vision or attaining knowledge of the Plotinian One; in Platonic texts, the ultimate experience involves obtaining insight into the Platonic Good. Yount argues that the “ultimate experience” articulated and advocated by both men is actually the same experience, with the same requirements and the same effects. The Good and the One are interchangeable.
Yount’s contention runs counter to traditional Platonic and Plotinian scholarship, which holds that while the two philosophers share a number of views, they ultimately do not share a common philosophy. Yount lays out a thorough and extensive counterargument, drawing parallels and elucidating potent lines of connection between the two philosophers. The book is intended for all students of Ancient Greek philosophy, and will be an indispensable addition to the libraries of all Plato and/or Plotinus scholars.
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