Porphyry
Porphyry was a prominent philosopher of the Neoplatonist school, born around 234 CE in Tyre, a city in present-day Lebanon. His real name was Malchus, but he adopted the name Porphyry, which means "purple," likely referencing the color of royalty. A devoted student of Plotinus, Porphyry made significant contributions to philosophy, particularly in ethics and metaphysics. He is best known for his works that delve into the nature of the soul, the hierarchy of being, and the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds. His writings were influential in shaping later philosophical and religious thought, bridging the ancient and medieval worlds.
In addition to his philosophical endeavors, Porphyry was a keen critic of Christianity and wrote extensively on the subject, sparking discussions that would resonate through the ages. His most famous work, "Isagoge," serves as an introduction to Aristotle's categories and remains a key text in the study of logic and classification. As you explore Porphyry's works in this app, you'll uncover the complexities of his thoughts and the rich tapestry of ideas that influenced generations of thinkers. Whether you're new to philosophy or revisiting familiar concepts, Porphyry's writings offer a gentle invitation to ponder the deeper questions of existence.
Enneads
Read by Geoffrey Edwards
Plotinus and Porphyry
The six Enneads (ΕΝΝΕΑΔΕΣ) are the collected writings of the Neoplatonic philosopher Plotinus (ΠΛΩΤΙΝΟΣ) arranged by his student Porphyry (Π…