The Platonists

Discover how the trajectory of Western philosophy from Plato to Nietzsche reveals the shifting ideas of being, becoming, and nihilism. Join Eric as he chats with Mark Anderson, a philosophy professor and author, about the core themes that have shaped philosophical thought through the ages and their relevance today.Mark Anderson's background and focus on Plato and NietzscheThe structure and themes of his new book, A Concise History of Western PhilosophyThe metaphysics of being and becoming from Parmenides to PlotinusHow medieval thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas integrated Platonic ideasThe shift introduced by William of Ockham and the rise of modernityNietzsche's radical critique of being and his notion of nihilismThe psychological and metaphysical aspects of nihilism and its implications for contemporary cultureThe idea of the eternal return and its relation to meaning and purposelessnessThe importance of living philosophy and integrating it into everyday lifeTimestamps:00:00 - Introducing Mark Anderson and the scope of the episode02:05 - Mark's journey into philosophy: from art to academia04:13 - The influence of Plato and Nietzsche in Anderson’s work07:15 - The structure of Anderson’s new book and its focus on Platonism09:13 - Tracing the history of being from Parmenides to Plotinus12:54 - The shift to becoming and the rise of nominalism with Occam19:12 - The impact of modernity and nihilism in contemporary thought23:23 - Philosophy as a way of life and the philosopher artist27:21 - The environment of Plato’s Greece and the sophists32:50 - The metaphysics of forms and the influence of Parmenides and Heraclitus36:59 - The debates over the nature of reality and flux in Plato and Heraclitus44:16 - The concept of the ultimate good and its connection to Platonic metaphysics52:25 - Aquinas and the Christian reinterpretation of Platonism62:55 - The revolutionary ideas of William of Ockham and the shift toward modern science73:49 - Hume’s problem of induction and the flux of experience84:50 - Nietzsche’s critique of metaphysics and the notion of the will to power93:45 - The concept of the eternal return and its implications for meaning98:01 - The difference between metaphysical and psychological nihilism102:01 - Nietzsche’s depiction of nihilism as the death of God and the rejection of being107:15 - The “Yes-sayer”: embracing nihilism and transforming it into life-affirmation113:34 - The ongoing tension between being and becoming in culture and history120:00 - Final thoughts: imagining Nietzsche and Plato togetherResources & Links:https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/concise-history-of-western-philosophy-9781350555976/

In this enlightening conversation, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya explores the deep connections between Sanatana Dharma and Platonism, discusses the nature of God, devas, and the future of traditional spirituality, emphasizing the importance of community, leadership, and authentic practice.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sanatana Dharma and Acharya Pravartaka05:16 Exploring the Parallels Between Platonism and Sanatana Dharma10:08 Understanding Brahman: Nirguna and Saguna20:33 The Nature of Devas and Mahadevas29:38 The Mortality of Gods and Their Cosmic Role32:33 The Nature of Gods and Reincarnation34:33 Worshiping the Gods: Imitating Goodness38:12 Pythagorean Parallels: Philosophy and Practice43:28 Building Spiritual Communities49:02 The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Movements55:40 Envisioning a Golden Age: A New Civilization01:00:07 The Future of Abrahamic Faiths in a New Era01:04:02 The Vedic Jesus vs. The Pauline Jesus01:09:46 Critique of Nietzsche and His Influence01:15:53 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Spirituality01:20:46 The Importance of Ethnicity and Community01:26:10 Decentralization and Local Governance01:32:07 The Role of Individualism in Community LifeLinksWebsite - https://dharmacentral.com/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/dharmanation

The conversation delves into the exploration of Platonism, its influence on philosophy and religion, and its intersection with Christianity. It covers the early philosophical interests of the speaker, the rediscovery of Plato and Neoplatonism, the understanding of Plotinus and Proclus, the influence of Christianity on Neoplatonism, the concept of forgiveness in Platonism and Christianity, the impact of Platonism and Christianity on society, and the early Christianity and Platonism as mystery schools. The conversation delves into the topics of reincarnation in Christianity, eschatological views, the dating and composition of the Old Testament, the philosophical approach to Christianity and pagan ideas, Paul's letters and divine inspiration, metaphysics and theology in Platonism, and henology and personality in Platonism. The influence of Platonic philosophy on Christian theology is a recurring theme throughout the discussion. The conversation delves into the ontological dependence in Platonism, the analogy of light and color, the relationship between musical tones and forms, the symbolic nature of distinctions and attributes of God, the essence-energies distinction, the careful approach of Proclus in theology, abridged concepts and simplification in theology, the divine shard and reunification in Platonism, the fall of the soul and the divine shard, the archetypal man and the sum of being, the free will aspect and theurgy, the problem of the one and the many in Platonism, the question of existence and the first principle, the superposition of all categories in the first principle, the stable ontological state of reality, the fall of the soul and the regress of will, the archetypal man and the sum of being, the decline and the perspective of the fall, the free will aspect and the fall of the soul, the puzzle of the fall of the soul and theurgy, the divine shard and the process of negation, and the will to continue being and divine antinomy. The conversation delves into the nature of will and its connection to the divine, exploring the concept of the one in relation to essence and existence. The discussion provides insights into the complexities of these philosophical concepts and their implications for understanding the nature of reality and existence.TakeawaysPlatonism and its influence on philosophy and religionThe intersection of Platonism and Christianity Reincarnation in ChristianityInfluence of Platonic philosophy on Christian theology Ontological dependence in PlatonismUnity that transcends all three aspects of being The nature of will and its relationship to the divineThe concept of the one in relation to essence and existenceChapters00:00 Introduction to Platonism and Early Philosophical Interests06:04 Understanding Plotinus and Proclus13:07 Platonism, Christianity, and Forgiveness20:25 Platonism, Christianity, and Societal Impact26:02 Early Christianity and Platonism as Mystery Schools35:48 Reincarnation in Christianity and Theodosian Christianity41:03 Dating and Composition of the Old Testament46:21 Paul's Letters and Divine Inspiration55:32 Henology and Personality in Platonism01:05:17 Ontological Dependence in Platonism01:11:06 The Distinction in Forms and Participation01:17:06 The Fall of the Soul and the Divine Shard01:22:41 The Question of Existence and the First Principle01:28:15 The Free Will Aspect and the Fall of the Soul01:33:34 The Nature of Will and the Divine01:45:27 The One in Relation to Essence and Existence

This conversation delves into the evolution of Platonism, focusing on the transition from a purely philosophical approach to a more community-oriented and religiously focused understanding. Eric and Ethan explore the nature of the gods as divine souls, the importance of worship, and the distinctions between metaphysics and theology. They discuss the ancient and modern conceptions of personhood, the role of intelligible and psychic gods, and the implications of different pantheons coexisting. The myth of the chariot from Plato's Phaedrus is examined as a metaphor for the soul's journey, and the nature of daimons is also addressed, highlighting their role as intermediary spirits. In this conversation, Eric and Ethan explore the nature of daimons, spirits, and the complexities of evil. They discuss the implications of divine command theory versus moral realism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the good. The role of law in morality is examined, highlighting how laws serve as reflections of the good. The conversation culminates in a call to restore a sense of Platonic religiosity, emphasizing the need for community and the importance of the gods' care for humanity.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Classical and Religious Platonism02:57 Understanding the Nature of the Gods 06:04 The Role of Worship in Platonism 08:55 The Distinction Between Theology and Metaphysics 11:47 The Separation of Metaphysics and Theology 14:48 The Nature of Personhood in Ancient vs. Modern Contexts 18:04 The Intelligible Gods vs. Psychic Gods 21:04 The Myth of the Chariot in Phaedrus 48:34 The Plane of Truth and Divine Forms 52:00 The Henads and Intelligible Gods 55:59 Understanding Pantheons and Their Distinctions01:00:02 The Nature of Daimons and Spirits 01:11:59 Evil Spirits and Their Influence 01:20:53 Exploring the Nature of Evil and Redemption01:22:39 The Debate on Morality and Divine Command Theory 01:24:35 Plato's Euthyphro Dilemma and Moral Realism01:31:30 Understanding the Good and Moral Compass01:35:30 The Role of Law in Moral Guidance 01:50:42 Restoring Platonic Religiosity and Community Building

In this episode, Eric interviews Giioke Arturo, a member of the Platonic Path group, about his innovative project, "Threshold of the Cave," which serves as a Platonic worship service. Giioke shares his journey into Platonism, highlighting the challenges he faced in establishing a personal practice and how this led to the creation of a structured worship service designed for modern practitioners. The podcast aims to facilitate Platonic worship in a way that is accessible and meaningful for everyday individuals, incorporating elements like the lunar calendar and traditional Roman practices into a contemporary context.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Platonic Worship 01:12 Creating Threshold of the Cave 08:30 Understanding the Roman Calendar 15:42 Modern Adaptations of Ancient Holidays 23:09 Blending Ancient and Modern Practices 34:38 The Evolution of Religious Practices 39:12 Understanding the Platonic Church Service 44:53 Engaging with the Divine: Accessibility in Worship51:51 Personal Spiritual Journeys and Community Engagement 01:00:18 Embracing Modern Spiritualityhttps://thresholdofthecave.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipshttps://substack.com/@giiokearturo?utm_source=about-page

In this conversation, Eric and Ethan explore the intricate relationship between Platonism, paganism, and Christianity. They discuss Ethan's spiritual journey, the foundations of Platonism, its role as a religion, and the accessibility of its teachings. The conversation delves into the cultural and ethnic identity in religious practices, the influence of Christianity on Western culture, and the significance of Orphism within Platonism. They also debate the notion of Plato as a proto-Christian and the implications of this perspective for understanding the evolution of Western thought. In this conversation, Eric and Ethan explore the relevance of Platonism in today's chaotic world, discussing its philosophical roots and practical applications. They emphasize the importance of community, the relationship between spirituality and politics, and the need for a modern interpretation of ancient wisdom. The dialogue highlights the challenges facing Platonism today and outlines a vision for its future as a viable spiritual path.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation 03:04 Ethan's Spiritual Journey and Background 06:00 Exploring Platonism and Paganism 11:48 Understanding Platonism: Philosophy or Religion?14:57 The Nature of Platonism and Its Texts 20:55 Accessibility of Platonism for Everyday People 26:58 Structure and Rituals of Platonic Path 33:54 Cultural Identity and Religion in the West 39:00 The Influence of Greco-Roman Culture on Western Identity 46:46 Christianity's Cultural Roots and Platonism 51:44 The Role of Orphism in Platonism 56:54 Christianity's Borrowing from Pagan Traditions01:02:43 Plato: The Proto-Christian Debate 01:14:51 Everyday Practices in Platonic Spirituality 01:27:23 The Pursuit of Eudaimonia 01:29:16 Modern Platonism and Online Communities01:33:28 Challenges Facing Platonists 01:37:31 Adapting Platonism for Modern Issues 01:41:03 Living as a Philosopher 01:47:33 Religion, Politics, and Their Interconnection01:51:42 The Role of Religion in Politics 01:58:35 Distinguishing Platonic Path from Other Movements 02:06:39 Long-term Goals of Platonic Path

In this conversation, Eric and Heliotroph delve into the historical significance of Julian, the fourth-century emperor, and his impact on the cultural shift from paganism to Christianity. They discuss the challenges faced by modern pagan communities, the role of spirituality in today's society, and the importance of grounding oneself in reality through practices like meditation and physical activity. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of community building and the potential future of religion in a rapidly changing world.Heliotroph:X: https://x.com/HeliotrophySubstack: https://heliotroph.substack.com/Books:amzn.to/3XE4QXa - Julianhttps://a.co/d/ilzBzti - Hymns to the Godshttps://a.co/d/9Q82sRF - Hierocles Golden Verseshttps://a.co/d/cKL7RkE - EpictetusChapters00:00 Introduction and Book Discussion 02:54 Exploring Julian's Historical Significance 06:01 Julian's Character and Influence 08:43 The Fourth Century: A Turning Point 11:38 Cultural Dynamics of Paganism and Christianity 14:41 The Role of Community in Spirituality 17:42 Modern Parallels and Future Possibilities 37:37 Embracing Cringe: The Value of Seriousness 40:58 The Power of Small Communities 43:03 Grounding in Tradition: The Platonic North Star 46:05 The Role of Deities in Communicating Tradition 49:03 Civic Virtue and Individual Action 51:28 The Evolution of Religion in the West 54:46 Navigating Trust in a Digital Age 59:40 Reconnecting with the Body 01:05:06 Spiritual Bypassing: The Dangers of Escapism01:11:14 Engaging with Christianity: A Call for Dialogue01:14:43 The Nature of Modern Belief Systems

In this podcast episode, Eric and the founder of the Classical Wisdom Tradition discuss the significance of Platonism, focusing on the new book 'Flower of the Mind.' They explore the scale of virtues, the importance of civic virtue, and the journey of spiritual ascent within the Platonist framework. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper order in learning, the relationship between rationality and spirituality, and the challenges of modern spirituality. They also highlight the revival of traditional Western spirituality and the importance of allowing the tradition to speak for itself.You can download the PDF of Flower of the Mind in the pinned message on the CWT Telegram (link below).https://t.me/classicalpolytheism00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 00:53 Exploring 'Flower of the Mind' and Its Significance 05:53 The Scale of Virtues in Platonism 12:05 Civic Virtue: The Foundation of Platonism 17:52 The Journey of Spiritual Ascent 23:55 Balancing Rationality and Spirituality 29:59 The Importance of Personal Growth and Virtue Cultivation 36:34 The Journey of Learning and Growth 39:48 The Structure of Classical Education 42:44 The Allegory of the Cave and Levels of Knowledge 45:08 Purification of the Soul and the Tripartite Soul 52:53 The Role of Rituals in Spiritual Practice 01:00:06 The Importance of Correct Beliefs 01:06:18 Reviving Western Spiritual Traditions 01:09:53 Challenges in Understanding Spirituality 01:16:03 The Future of Western Spirituality

In this video, the Divine Triad of Jove, Magna Mater, and Dionysus is explained. More video content is on the way, but check YouTube for more. The Romanist Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Eric Claussen at platonicpath.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Eric Claussen at platonicpath.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Eric Claussen at platonicpath.substack.com/subscribe