Neoplatonist Philosophy

Pre-requisites: The first year of studies.

Course objectives: The course deals with the central notions of Plotinus' ethical theory, based on his metaphysical considerations.

Course description: Critical reexamination of ethical ideas in Plotinus' philosophy and their metaphysical foundation. Starting from the key metaphysical notions of the One, the Soul, and the Mind, Plotinus' thoughts on freedom, evil, various aspects of the human soul, virtues, happiness, love, suicide, etc. will be critically considered in their systemic connection. In general, the relationship between authentic Plato's philosophy and Neoplatonists will be tackled.

Learning Outcomes: Training the students in the critical and careful reading of the Plotinus' writings, as well as understanding of the philosophical problems and arguments involved. Both student questions and class discussions are encouraged.

Literature/Reading:

• Plotin, Eneade I-VI, preveo Slobodan Blagojević, Književne Novine, Beograd, 1984 (posebno Eneade I, str. 17-36, 41-85, Eneade VI, str. 207-248)
• 1. W. Beierwaltes, Das Denken des Einen, Studien zur neuplatonischen Philosophie und ihrer Wirkungsgeschichte, Vittorio Klostermann, Frankfurt, 1985, str. 38-58.
• 2. L. P. Gerson (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Plotinus, Cambridege University Press, 1996 (naročito str. 38-66).
• 3. I. Deretić, „Plotinov metafizički pojam ljudske slobode", u: Dijalog i moć / Sloboda i zlo, Srpsko filozofsko društvo, Beograd, 2000, str. 109-119.
• 4. P. Remes, „Plotinus’ Ethics of Disinterested Interest“, u: Journal of the History of Philosophy 44 (2006), str. 1-23.
• 5. P. Plass, „Plotinus’ Ethical Theory“, u: Illinois Classical Studies 1982, 7, 2, str. 241-259.
• 6. B. Šijaković, Prisutnost transcedencije, Službeni glasnik, Beograd, 2013, naročito 254-281.
• Deretić, Irina, “Human Excellences: past and present”, u: H. James Birx, (ur.), (2010), 21st Century Anthropology, Vol. 1, California: SAGE Publication Inc., str. 526-535, ISBN. 978-1-4129-5738-0.