Self and selfishness in Late Antiquity: Plotinus on <i>oikeiōsis</i>

Abstract Plotinus’ understanding of self is formulated largely in dialogue with the Stoics. In early works he categorically rejects Stoic notion hēgemonikon (‘leading part’ or ‘commanding faculty’) soul. this paper, I show how, light a general dissatisfaction account articulated his work, Plotinus deals oikeiōsis (‘appropriation’). argue that develops across period during which uses it. middle writings, engages by exploring how it functions contexts related to selfhood. later shows, on one hand, concept can be Platonized, such as for relation Good, and, other, untenable many same reasons . Ultimately, thinks understandings and are because they lead something could characterized ‘selfishness’.