The Relationship between Soul and Body in Plotinus and Porphyry

Abstract

This article analyzes the conceptions of Plotinus and Porphyry, his disciple, concerning the relationship between soul and body. It points out that although the metaphysical framework of the two philosophers is the same, it having been established by Plotinus, the way in which Porphyry approaches certain aspects of this relationship is different from that of Plotinus, which gives him a distinct philosophical personality. Analysis of the two philosophers' positions on the relationship between soul
and body shows that, though, they are not incompatible, but complementary, which highlights the richness, depth, and force of attraction of Neoplatonism.