How did Plotinus and Ammonius Saccas shape Neoplatonism?

Plotinus, an ancient Greek philosopher born in Roman Egypt, is widely regarded as the founder of Neoplatonism. He studied under the self-taught philosopher Ammonius Saccas before developing his own metaphysical framework based on three fundamental principles: the One, the Intellect, and the Soul. This tradition significantly influenced late antiquity, medieval religious thought, and Renaissance philosophy.

What we know

• Plotinus was born and raised in Roman Egypt and is regarded by modern scholars as the founder of Neoplatonism. [2]
• Ammonius Saccas was a self-taught philosopher who served as the teacher of Plotinus from 232 to 243 AD and heavily influenced his philosophical development. [4]
• In his metaphysical writings, Plotinus described three fundamental principles: the One, the Intellect, and the Soul. [2]
• The term Neoplatonism was coined by historians in the 19th century to describe Plotinus and his philosophy. [2]

Still open

• Little is known about the personal philosophical views of Ammonius Saccas, and whether he was Christian or a different historical figure remains a subject of historical clarification.

Where to go next

• whoWho was Ammonius Saccas?
• how it workedWhat are the three fundamental principles of Neoplatonism?
• whenHow did Porphyry continue Plotinus's work?
• the bigger pictureWhat is Neoplatonism?
• what followedHow did Neoplatonism influence Islamic philosophy?
• an unexpected connectionHow did a pagan philosophy shape Thomas Aquinas and Islamic thinkers?Although originating as a pagan metaphysical tradition centered on Plotinus and the One, Neoplatonism deeply shaped Jewish, Christian, and Islamic medieval theology.

Sources

• [1]Plotinus (Wikidata Q134189) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Plotinus · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Neoplatonism · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Ammonius Saccas · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Logos · CC BY-SA 4.0