Comparative Assessment of Godlikeness of Man through the Acquisition of Virtues from the Points of View of Plotinus and Mulla Sadra

Karami, Setayesh

doi:10.22034/spektrum.2024.203742

Comparative Assessment of Godlikeness of Man through the Acquisition of Virtues from the Points of View of Plotinus and Mulla Sadra

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author

Setayesh Karami

Student at Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany

https://doi.org/10.22034/spektrum.2024.203742

Abstract

The concept of becoming godlike, rooted in Plotinus' philosophical framework, has inspired discussions throughout history, resonating in the works of subsequent thinkers such as Mulla Sadra. Plotinus posits that humanity's ultimate purpose is in union with the one achieved through the emulation of divine virtues. However, this raises complex questions about the nature of virtues and their applicability to both humanity and divinity. While Plotinus grapples with these dilemmas, scholars like Mulla Sadra offer novel interpretations about the same concept but grounded in the principle of the Primacy of Existence. This work explores Plotinus' vision of a divine union and the challenges it poses to ethical and existential inquiry. Furthermore, it delves into the reception of Plotinus' ideas by Mulla Sadra, who offers novel insights into the concept of godlikeness. Through Sadra's lens, virtues are understood as dynamic manifestations of divine existence, leading to a deeper understanding of humanity's existential journey towards divine union.

Keywords

Godlikeness

Plotinus

Mulla Sadra

Virtues

Primacy of Existence

Subjects

Islamic Thought

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