ABSTRACT
Even as Plato defined the Idea, the higher being, as the cause of each individual lower being, so Plotinus also considered the higher being as the cause of the lower. For Plotinus, the One is the higher being, positioned at the summit of his system. Of course the notion of the One is inspired by the Good mentioned in Plato’s Republic. Moreover, Plotinus maintains that ‘Whenever we say “the One” and whenever we say “the Good”, we must think that the nature we are speaking of is the same nature.’ 1 I It means that the One equals the Good. Then, why is the Good supposed to be the source of all, including the lowest matter? It is easy to imagine that from the root of the Good should grow the magnificent tree of virtues, such as wisdom, courage, temperance, justice in the Republic, or kindness, goodwill, and sympathy in our days. But actually it does not. The Good is said to be the root of all beings rather than only of virtue.
