Neoplatonic Virtue: Porphyry on Political and Purificatory Virtue
In this 90-minute seminar, we begin reading Sentence 32 of Porphyry’s Sentences, a text that distills and systematizes Plotinus’ teachings on the hierarchy of virtues. The class revisits and deepens themes from Enneads I.2 and III.4, while highlighting Porphyry’s own contributions and shifts in emphasis.
📘 Topics discussed include:
Introduction of Sentence 32 as Porphyry’s attempt to systematize Plotinus’ account of virtue.
Clarification on the fourfold structure of virtue in Porphyry and his departure from Plotinus in calling the models of virtue in nous “virtues.”
Discussion of Porphyry's use of the notion of human beings being “herded together” in Political Virtue.
In what sense is practical wisdom part of both political and purificatory virtue?
Why do you need moderate passions before you can detach yourself from the passions entirely?
The difference between a disagreement on political virtue and the disagreement between people who practice political and purificatory virtue.
What is the distinction between purificatory and contemplative virtue?
📝 Yitzchok’s notes on this session:
https://ylowy.substack.com/p/neoplatonic-virtues-by-antonio-vargas
This session is part of the Neoplatonic Virtue series and assumes familiarity with earlier discussions of Plotinus.