F.W.J. Schelling

This chapter deals with the presence of Plotinus in the work and thought of Schelling (1775–1854). It discusses the evidence for Schelling’s knowledge of Plotinus’ writings and then goes on to explore the Plotinian resonances in Schelling’s philosophy of the Absolute, his concept of the self-constitution of God, and his thoughts about the freedom of the Absolute. Like the Plotinian One, Schelling’s Absolute transcends all duality and multiplicity, although, in a sense, it is also Intellect. Schelling’s theory that God – the Trinity – causes himself by desiring himself can be interpreted as a Christian version of Plotinus’ idea that Intellect constitutes itself by turning to the One or the Good. In his late philosophy, Schelling distinguishes the freedom of the Absolute, which is equivalent to its goodness, from human freedom, which is essentially freedom of choice. As in Plotinus, the human soul must transcend itself and become one with the Absolute to become truly free.