History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 096 - Dominic O'Meara on Neoplatonism
20 snips
Sep 30, 2012 AI Snips
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Episode notes
Neoplatonists Were Politically Engaged
- Many assume Neoplatonists retreated from politics and ordinary life.
- Dominic O'Meara argues this view is mistaken and that they articulated political attitudes.
Politics As Ethical Practice, Not Modern Governance
- Ancient political philosophy treated the polis as an ethical community for cultivating virtue.
- Dominic O'Meara explains Neoplatonists saw political happiness as preparation for higher intellectual happiness.
Plotinus's Failed Platonopolis Project
- Plotinus planned a Platonopolis to live according to Plato's laws outside Rome with friends and colleagues.
- Dominic O'Meara notes the project failed when the imperial endowment was not granted.