Liebe (Eros)

This chapter discusses Plotinus’ complex theory of love (erôs). His ideas on erôs are embedded in the Platonic tradition, but he transforms these traditions and develops novel ideas of the role of love. The chapter first discusses Plotinus’ ideas on physical love which diverge considerably from Plato. Secondly, the chapter presents his ideas on the role of love in the ascent of the soul which develop Plato’s idea of the uplifting power of love. Thirdly, the chapter analyzes Plotinus’ attempt to reconcile Plato’s statements about Eros as a god and as a daemon. The last part of the chapter is devoted to the novel idea of the Good as ‘love of itself’.