Freiheit

This chapter presents Plotinus’ theory of freedom. The article gives a brief overview of the core themes (fate, providence, the impact of the theological background(s) on the theories of freedom) and key terms in ancient discussions on freedom from Plato to Plotinus. In the next step some light is shed on Plotinus’ own reflections. The descent of the soul poses a first intricate problem. Why would the discarnate soul choose to leave the intelligible world? There seem to be deeper reasons than a (seemingly) narcissistic impetus mentioned in Ennead V 1. The next sections deal with Plotinus’ reflections on the nature of fate and providence and the question of how the freedom of the incarnate soul may be vindicated within a plurality of (potentially determining) causes. Finally, the chapter addresses the foundation of the soul’s freedom in Ennead VI 8. The soul is freed by intellection, but the ultimate source of freedom, the ‘free-maker’ (eleutheropoion), is the One.