Consciousness and Introspection in Plotinus and Augustine (original) (raw)

This paper analyzes the concept of introspection as it applies to the philosophical works of Plotinus and Augustine, arguing against the common characterization of both as introspective thinkers. It highlights the evaluative discrepancies in interpretations of introspection across different philosophical traditions and asserts that Plotinus' notion of consciousness fundamentally opposes introspection. In Augustine's writings, particularly between his De Trinitate and Confessions, two distinct models of introspection are identified—confessional and contemplative—each reflecting different epistemological approaches, thus complicating the traditional understanding of introspection in the context of their philosophies.