The One

Definition

The One is a fundamental concept in Neoplatonism, primarily attributed to Plotinus, representing the ultimate reality and source of all existence. It is described as transcendent, ineffable, and beyond being itself, serving as the origin from which all things emanate and return. Understanding the One is crucial to grasping the structure of reality, the hierarchy of being, and the spiritual practices aimed at achieving union with this divine source.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The One is often described as being beyond all attributes, meaning it cannot be fully defined or understood through ordinary concepts or language.
2. Plotinus emphasized that everything emanates from the One in a cascading order, with each level of reality being less perfect than the previous one.
3. The goal of Neoplatonic philosophy is to return to the One through philosophical contemplation and mystical experiences, achieving a union with this ultimate source.
4. Neoplatonism introduced a metaphysical framework that significantly influenced later Christian thought, especially regarding the nature of God and creation.
5. The concept of the One contributes to a dualistic understanding of existence, where material reality is seen as lesser compared to the higher realm of the One.

Review Questions

• How does Plotinus's concept of the One differ from traditional notions of divinity?
  • Plotinus's concept of the One departs from traditional notions of divinity by presenting it as entirely transcendent and beyond any human attributes or comprehension. While many religious views see God as a personal being involved in creation and human affairs, the One is described as impersonal, ineffable, and existing beyond being itself. This means that it cannot be grasped through standard categories of existence or qualities.
• Discuss how the hierarchy of being is structured according to Neoplatonic thought and its relationship to the One.
  • In Neoplatonic thought, the hierarchy of being is structured as a descending order from the One down through Nous (Divine Intellect), the World Soul, and then to material reality. Each successive level represents a further removal from the perfection of the One, with each layer embodying less fullness of being. This hierarchical structure emphasizes how everything emanates from the One and illustrates how beings are interconnected in their journey back towards this ultimate source.
• Evaluate how Neoplatonic mysticism seeks to facilitate an individual's connection with the One and its implications for philosophical inquiry.
  • Neoplatonic mysticism aims to facilitate an individual's connection with the One through contemplation and philosophical practices that seek to transcend ordinary understanding. By focusing on inner purity and elevating one's consciousness through intellectual and spiritual exercises, practitioners aspire for direct communion with this ultimate reality. This approach not only impacts personal spiritual journeys but also reshapes philosophical inquiry by positioning experience and intuition as vital means of understanding existence beyond rational thought.

Related terms

Emanation: The process by which all things arise from the One in a hierarchical manner, moving from the simplest forms of existence to more complex realities.

Nous: In Neoplatonism, Nous is the divine intellect that emanates from the One and contains all forms of reality; it represents the first level of reality after the One.

Mysticism: A spiritual practice aimed at seeking direct communion or union with the divine; in Neoplatonism, it often involves contemplating the One to achieve a higher state of consciousness.