Plotinos: Complete Works, v. 4: In Chronological Order, Grouped in Four Periods

"Plotinos: Complete Works, v. 4" by Plotinus is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. This volume forms part of a comprehensive collection of Plotinus’ works, focusing particularly on his profound insights into metaphysics, ethics, and the nature of happiness and existence. The texts aim to explore complex ideas, such as whether animals and plants can be regarded as happy, situating them within a framework of various philosophical schools like Aristotelianism and Stoicism. The opening of this volume engages readers with a rigorous examination of the concept of happiness. Plotinus raises questions about the nature of happiness and whether it can be assigned to non-human life forms, including animals and plants, arguing for a broader understanding of happiness that transcends mere sensation or rationality. He contrasts the lives of different creatures, asserting that true happiness is rooted in a complete realization of one’s nature, suggesting that happiness derives not just from fulfilling basic instincts or pleasures, but from a deeper alignment with the essence of being. This philosophical inquiry sets the stage for an exploration of the relationship between happiness, the good, and the essential qualities that define existence.