Plotinus' views on our ordinary awareness of time (Enn. 3.7.1)

What is it about?

According to the Neoplatonic philosopher Plotinus (205-270) we always talk about time and therefore believe we have a clear knowledge of it (cf. Plotinus, Enneads, 3.7.1). However, when we try to investigate further, we realize that this is not the case: hence the importance of a proper philosophical inquiry. Plotinus inspired Augustine of Hippo in the following famous passage: 'What, is then, time? If no one asks me, I know what it is. If I wish to explain it to him who asks me, I do not know.' This article explores Plotinus' views concerning our ordinary awareness of time, explains the difficult vocabulary used by Plotinus in formulating his position, and highlights a previously unnoticed parallel between Plotinus' method of research in 3.7.1 and the theory of knowledge of the doctor Galen.

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Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

Why is it important?

In this article I explain the initial section of Plotinus' treatise 3.7.1 by illustrating the author's argument, his distinctive vocabulary (in particular the enigmatic formula 'immediate apprehensions [Greek: epibolai] of thought') and his sources. Three significant aspects are: a detailed and original explanation of Plotinus' chapter 3.7.1; an explanation of the philosophical significance of this passage concerning our ordinary awareness of time; the discovery of a previously unnoticed parallel between the terminology used by Plotinus in 3.7.1 and the terminology used by the doctor Galen in relation to the theory of knowledge. I argue that Galen is Plotinus' main source in 3.7.1.

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