Porphyry (Porphyrios)

Porphyry; Porphyrios, OK. 234-OK. 303 years. n. e., Greek writer, philosopher, scholar, religious. Born in dash or in Batanya (Palestine), originally carried the name of the Syrian Malchus. First was a pupil of Origen in Caesarea in Palestine, they adopted Christianity, which was subsequently denied in a work against the Christians (Kata christianon) in 15 books. Grammar and rhetoric, studied in Athens under the leadership of Cassius Longinus, and in the thirtieth year of life has arrived in Rome where he became a faithful disciple of Plotinus. After the death of a teacher (270 g. n. e.), in the reign of Emperor Aurelian, opened his own school. From the numerous works of P. preserved only the names and fragments. For this essay was dedicated to the explanatory notes to the teachings of Plotinus and his protection. Written as many comments on the works of Plato.

Clear and logical presentation of the system Neoplatonism led to its spread. The mystical teachings of the dissolution of the soul in God (ecstasy) through the knowledge of more advanced beings is the basis of his system. To achieve this goal, according to AP, to cleanse the soul through ascetic exercises, for example, the vegetarian way of life. Although Plotinus rejected the categories of Aristotle, P. commented on them in the introduction and reveals through the questions and answers. Transfers and handling of his writings: Introduction (Eisagoge) and the five concepts (Peri ton pente phonon) - served as a textbook of logic in medieval Byzantium and the West. As he was researching the grammars of Homer, but here it was not original. Usually refers to a source that allows us to better learn art of his predecessors.