The Perennial Philosophy, by Aldous Huxley, is a seminal work exploring the common ground between various mystical and religious traditions. Huxley argues for the existence of a universal mystical experience that transcends cultural and religious differences. The book draws on a wide range of sources, including ancient scriptures, philosophical texts, and mystical writings. It explores themes of unity, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Huxley's insightful analysis and eloquent prose have made this book a classic in the field of comparative religion and philosophy.
In 'Religion and Nothingness,' Keiji Nishitani explores the concept of nothingness (Śūnyatā or emptiness) and its relevance to contemporary life, particularly in the context of Western nihilism. The book challenges traditional Western ideas such as the dichotomy of faith and reason, the personal and transcendent notions of God, and the Judeo-Christian view of history. Nishitani argues that the acceptance of absolute nothingness can overcome the nihilism inherent in Western civilization. The work is a synthesis of Eastern and Western philosophical thought, drawing on Zen Buddhism and the ideas of philosophers like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Heidegger[1][4][5].
In Episode 12 of Dr. John Vervaeke's "After Socrates," titled "The Way of the Logos," we delve deep into the world of Plotinus and his concept of dialectic, exploring how the intelligible world can be understood through a study of the nature and interconnection of real being. This episode examines the evolution of cognition and its relation to the grammar of reality, providing insights into Aristotle's conformity theory, transcendental argument, and solipsism.
We also discuss the notion of epiphenomenalism, where we learn that some things can be real without being actual or causally interactive. This episode further explores the concept of Dia-Logos, which focuses on improving the generative grammar of cognition to better track the through line generated by the grammar of being.
Throughout the episode, various philosophers and their works are referenced, including Proclus, Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, and St. Augustine of Hippo. The episode concludes by touching upon the topic of Theurgia, setting the stage for a more in-depth exploration in future episodes.
Join Dr. Vervaeke in this fascinating exploration of the intellectual journey we must pursue to understand the intelligible world and its relation to our cognitive evolution.
Please join our Patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
--
You are invited to join John, Guy, and Christopher live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos.
You can find more information, and register, here:
https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin...
---
After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.
Dr. John Vervaeke 
