SOURCE: Warren, Edward W. Introduction to Porphyry the Phoenician: Isagoge, translated by Edward W. Warren, pp. 9-23. Toronto, Can.: The Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, 1975.

In the following excerpt, Warren presents some biographical background on Porphyry before discussing his Isagoge in the context of the logical tradition and metaphysics, moving on to discuss Boethius's commentaries on the work.

Porphyry

Porphyry was born at Tyre in Syria about 232 A.D. and died in Rome sometime between 301 and 306 A.D. He was educated in Syria and in Athens where he came under the influence of Longinus, who like Plotinus and the pagan Origen had been hearers of Ammonius Saccas in Alexandria. Longinus was a man of great learning, and Porphyry undoubtedly absorbed much of his knowledge of Greek philosophy at this time. Even after his departure he continued to be in touch and corresponded with Longinus. He went to Rome...