Licht

This chapter aims to examine the meaning and relevance of the metaphor of light in the Enneads. It is emphasised that the fundamental function of this metaphor consists in explaining the close relationship of dependence between the First Principle, the original source of intelligible ‘light-truth’, and the second hypostasis, i.e. Intellect. Based on this metaphysical perspective, the One-Good is shaped as pure light that grounds both the truth and the very essence of intelligible reality consisting in the dynamic identity of being and thought. The chapter concludes with an explanation of the reason why – precisely in relation to the metaphor of light – the First Principle is referred to by Plotinus as the ‘King of Truth’.