On Intellect, the Forms, and Being

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the treatise that represents Plontinus' earliest attempt to introduce his theory on the Intellect. It focuses on the epistemological aspect of Intellect, without going into details on ontological matters such as the derivation of Intellect from a source that is superior to it. It also addresses the questions on whether Intellect exists, whether it is separable, whether it is identical with Being, and in what manner are Forms present in intelligible Essence. The chapter details the Platonic condemnation of those who lead lives devoted to the senses, their actions guided solely by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. It describes a category of people that attempt to move toward higher values but are unable to perceive them clearly as they are materialists and fail to apprehend their supra-sensible nature.