The Great God Pan Lives: Introducing the Athenian Academy
Feb 28, 2024
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Explore the lineage of philosophers from the Athenian Academy, the resurgence of late Platonist philosophy, Esoteric Christian ideas in Anatolia, challenges of dating texts in Jewish Late Antiquity, Plutarch's theurgical teachings and successors, metaphysical hierarchies in Late Platonism, and the spiritual legacy of Sirianus and Chaldean Cosmology.
Plutarch revives the Athenian Academy emphasizing polytheistic philosophy and Theurgy.
Sirianos introduces complex metaphysical concepts like Henads and eternal souls.
Plutarch and Sirianos pave the way for Proclus to deepen Platonic wisdom and esoteric practices.
Deep dives
The Reinvention of Plato's Academy by Plutarch of Athens
Plutarch of Athens revives Plato's Academy in Athens, attracting students like Hierocles and Proclus from various regions. The Athenian Academy emphasizes a polytheistic philosophy and the practice of Theurgy, distinguishing it from the Platonism in Alexandria. Plutarch's teachings are centered around a granular hierarchical metaphysical structure, introducing concepts like Henads, divine unity's beyond unity, and eternal soul existence.
Philosophical Lineage and Influence of Sirianos
Sirianos, succeeding Plutarch, plays a critical role in shaping the Platonic worldview handed down to Proclus. Known for his metaphysical complexity, Sirianos introduces the idea of Henads as transcendent gods and expounds on the eternal nature of individual souls. His teachings emphasize a detailed hierarchy of realities, eternal vehicles, and divinization potential for human souls.
Sirianos' Spiritual Legacy and reverence memorialized in Athens
The symbolic reverence for Sirianos continues posthumously as reflected in an inscription on his gravestone in Athens. Commended for his wisdom and guidance, Sirianos is portrayed as a pivotal spiritual figure who instructed humans on wisdom, guiding them towards divine perfection. His impact resonates through the spiritual corridors of Athens, embraced by future generations.
The Immortal Philosophical Influence of Plutarch and Sirianos at the Athenian Academy
Plutarch and Sirianos, through their teachings at the Athenian Academy, leave an indelible mark on the esoteric and metaphysical landscape. Their profound philosophies, focusing on divine hierarchy, eternal souls, and spiritual transformation, pave the way for Proclus and subsequent thinkers to delve deeper into the mysteries of Platonic wisdom and polytheistic practices.
Conclusion: Transition Towards Proclus and Continuation of Esoteric Wisdom
As the legacy of Plutarch and Sirianos resonates through the ages, the stage is set for Proclus, the disciple of Sirianos, to illuminate the depths of Platonic thought and Theurgy. Proclus builds upon the teachings of his predecessors, channeling divine wisdom and metaphysical insights that transcend traditional boundaries, shaping the course of Western esotericism for generations to come.
We turn to the final flowering of polytheist Platonist philosophy, centred on Athens (and Alexandria). We review some useful historical data, discuss the history of ‘the Academy’ as a notional ‘school’ in antiquity, and introduce Plutarch of Athens and Syrianus, teachers of the great Proclus.
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