E37 The Parmenides with Greg Shaw and Edward Butler
Jan 21, 2021
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Join brilliant thinkers Gregory Shaw, a renowned philosopher, and Edward Butler, an acclaimed scholar, as they dive deep into Plato's challenging dialog, the Parmenides. They unpack the intriguing concept of 'the One that is not' and explore the dynamics of polytheism versus monotheism. The discussion covers the intricate nature of henads, the philosophical critiques of monotheism, and the spiritual implications of ancient practices like theurgy. Their engaging conversation bridges philosophical theory and practical spirituality, offering fresh insights into divine experience.
The podcast explores the complexities of Plato's Parmenides, emphasizing the intricate relationship between unity and individuality in metaphysical concepts.
Spiritual practices, such as prayer, are highlighted as essential for deepening engagement with philosophical inquiries, intertwining spirituality and intellectual exploration.
The dialogue discusses the integration of ancient philosophy with religious practices, challenging modern distinctions between religion and philosophy for experiential understanding.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Plato's Parmenides
The Parmenides by Plato is a complex philosophical dialogue that serves as a pivotal work for understanding metaphysical concepts. The discussion centers on themes such as the nature of the one and the many, which can be quite challenging to grasp. Through the intricate exchanges between characters like Socrates, Zeno, and Parmenides, the dialogue explores the fundamental distinctions and relationships between unity, individuality, and existence. The conversation underscores the importance of engaging deeply with philosophical texts, as their meanings may not be immediately accessible but reveal profound insights through careful study.
The Role of Prayers and Context in Philosophical Inquiry
The episode emphasizes the significance of spiritual invocations, such as the prayer from Proclus' commentary on the Parmenides, as a means to frame philosophical discussions. Such practices underline the interconnectedness of philosophy and spirituality, suggesting that an understanding of metaphysical principles requires more than intellectual effort alone. Engaging with the divine through prayer is seen as a way to enrich the inquiry into truth and being. This interplay between sacredness and philosophical rigor highlights the historical context from which these philosophical works emerged.
Indirection as a Narrative Device
The use of indirect transmission in the Parmenides is a crucial narrative technique that reflects the dialogue's themes of mediation and reality. It illustrates how knowledge is passed through various layers, emphasizing the complex relationship between ideas and their expression. This approach not only adds depth to the philosophical exploration but also symbolizes the intricate nature of metaphysical principles themselves. The layering of voices enriches the discourse, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the topics discussed.
Philosophy's Integration with Religious Experience
The discussion reveals that ancient philosophies, including Neoplatonism, were often seen as inherently intertwined with religious practices rather than separate from them. This integration challenges modern distinctions between religion and philosophy, as ancient thinkers approached their inquiries with a reverence for the divine. The need for experiential understanding is emphasized, suggesting that philosophical insights are often rooted in lived spiritual experiences, such as theurgy or contemplative practice. This perspective provides a richer framework for understanding philosophical concepts and their implications for personal and communal life.
Unique Principles in the Context of Modern Thought
The conversation highlights how contemporary interpretations of unity often lead to an over-simplistic view of the divine, particularly within monotheistic frameworks. There's a concern that reifying concepts like 'the One' reduces their significance and alienates individuals from the richness of their unique existence. The discussion on Henads portrays gods as units containing all other gods, further emphasizing individuality within unity. This understanding encourages a reevaluation of how modern philosophical and theological discourses engage with concepts of divinity and being, fostering a deeper appreciation for the plurality of existence.
In this episode we had the good fortune to be able to exchange ideas with two of our most popular former guests, the brilliant Gregory Shaw and Edward Butler. What better subject to talk about than the Parmenides, perhaps the most difficult of Plato's dialogs. Of course it is no surprise that we tackled some really heavy topics, most notably, the One that is not. We also explore the interaction of polytheism and monotheism, the function and nature of the henads, as well as whatever else seemed interesting at the time.
