The History of Why

Concept

2 readings

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Forms

Concept · 2 readings

Intelligible Forms play a role in both Plato and Plotinus. How does each account connect understanding with reality? Their explanations need not be the same.

All readings

2 readings · Title A–Z

  • Guided course · Module 5 · Lesson 21

    Knowledge, appearance and education

    Plato’s sun, line and cave distinguish correct belief from understanding and picture education as a turning around. What do these images explain, and what do they leave unproved about knowledge and authority?

  • Guided course · Module 6 · Lesson 27

    Unity, intellect and the life of the soul

    Plotinus argues from the multiplicity of things to the One, a first principle beyond Intellect. The lesson asks how Intellect, Soul and the soul’s return fit together, and why an experience of unity does not by itself prove the explanation.