The Platonists

Ancient wisdom for the modern world
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The Platonists explores how ancient wisdom illuminates modern life. Join us for conversations with philosophers, mystics, and creators, plus commentary on new books and ideas shaping the Platonic revival. A podcast for people seeking truth, depth, and the cultivated life. www.platonicpath.org

  1. 22h ago

    Ritual Purity with Heliotroph

    The conversation explores the concept of ritual purity, particularly in relation to modern distractions like technology and the importance of maintaining a sacred space for spiritual practices. The discussion delves into ancient practices of purification, the mental clutter of contemporary life, and how these elements affect one's connection to the divine. The conversation delves into the themes of reality perception, individual delusions, and the impact of technology on human connection. It explores the philosophical implications of these issues, emphasizing the importance of community, individual responsibility, and the pursuit of wholeness in a fragmented world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ritual Purity03:03 Modern Distractions and Rituals06:08 Ancient Perspectives on Purity08:59 Purification as a Path to Connection12:11 The Additive vs. Subtractive Approach15:07 Physical Rituals and Mental Engagement17:59 Creating Sacred Spaces20:57 Maintaining Ritual Purity at Home24:13 The Role of Aesthetics in Rituals26:55 The Intersection of Material and Spiritual Worlds30:05 Conclusion and Reflections on Purity42:52 The Illusion of Reality49:02 The Crisis of Individual Delusions54:21 The Pursuit of Wholeness01:01:34 The Role of Responsibility in Community01:06:25 The Importance of Shared Values

  2. Oct 19

    Ancestral Religion with Tom Rowsell | Survive the Jive

    In this episode, Tom Rowsell shares his journey from paganism to philosophy, exploring the nature of pagan practices, the role of offerings, and the historical development of religious ideas from the Bronze Age to the Axial Age. Discover insights into ancient mythologies, the evolution of religious beliefs, and the influence of cultural and genetic factors on human thought. In this episode, Tom Rowsell and Eric Claussen explore the depths of pagan mythology, the importance of ancestor worship, and the impact of modern technology on spiritual practice. They discuss the roots of Indo-European gods, the significance of local spirits, and how to reconnect with the divine in everyday life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tom Rousell and his work 00:06 Introduction to pagan mythology and practice 01:55 Tom's journey from Catholic upbringing to paganism 02:52 The roots of Indo-European gods and myths 04:04 The significance of offerings in pagan rituals 06:55 The development of religious ideas during the Bronze Age 07:21 The significance of local spirits and sacred spaces 10:02 Mythology as a conservative tradition 11:59 How technology influences spiritual perception 14:14 The relationship between belief and practice in paganism 17:01 Starting pagan practice with ancestors 20:06 The influence of the Axial Age and writing on religious development 22:03 The distinction between myth stories and divine personalities 25:04 The divergence of Indo-Iranic religions and myths 27:04 The universal versus particular aspects of gods 30:09 Genetics, IQ, and the development of ancient civilizations 32:09 The importance of environment in spiritual practice 35:06 The role of cities in cultural and philosophical progress 37:01 The dangers of syncretism and cultural distortion 40:07 The limitations of historical knowledge about ancient beliefs 41:57 Practical advice for beginners in paganism 44:45 Zoroaster and the reform of Indo-Iranic religion 47:00 The role of sacred spaces like caves and tombs 52:13 The influence of ancestral memory and lineage 57:01 The impact of modern technology on spiritual focus 01:01:56 The importance of environment and purification 01:07:02 The future of paganism and cultural revival https://www.survivethejive.co.uk/

  3. Aug 15

    Building Pagan Communities with Aidan McMillan

    In this episode, Aidan McMillan from the Asatru Folk Assembly shares insights on building pagan communities, the importance of ritual, infrastructure, and community outreach, and how to navigate challenges and criticism while fostering authentic spiritual growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Aidan McMillan and the AFA 01:59 History and foundation of the Asatru Folk Assembly 03:59 Building and maintaining Hofs and land spaces 07:04 The significance of old churches and land graves 09:55 Continuity and restoration of pagan traditions 14:59 Community rituals and their divine significance 19:55 The importance of infrastructure and land ownership 24:58 Engagement with local communities and outreach 30:01 Dealing with criticism and external challenges 35:00 The role of public identity and authenticity 40:04 Proselytizing and community growth strategies 44:57 The importance of land spirits and land rituals 50:01 The future of pagan revival and community diversity  guest links runestone.org

  4. Aug 1

    Exploring Platonic Buddhism with Logos and Dharma

    In this episode, Odysseus Bournias Varotsis and Eric explore the intersection of Platonism, theurgy, and modern spiritual practices. They discuss the importance of lineage, the role of science in spirituality, and the future of religious communities in the West. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the convergence of East and West spiritual traditions 02:05 Odysseus's background in Platonism and Buddhism 04:12 The concept of the Platonic polity and justice 07:04 Modern categories versus ancient philosophical principles 09:01 The divine order and its relation to dualism and non-dualism 12:46 The One in Platonism and its relation to nothingness in Zen 16:01 The Forms and their relation to Buddhist phenomenology 18:50 Emanation, Trikaya, and metaphysical similarities 21:47 The balance between metaphysics and phenomenology in practice 25:09 The evolution of Buddhist metaphysics and early texts 29:54 The concept of Dharmakaya and bliss in Buddhism 35:04 Plotinus, mysticism, and contemplative practices 39:56 The non-self doctrine and its deeper implications 44:55 The importance of practice and direct insight 50:10 Theurgy, self-emptying, and divine communication 55:05 Erotic union and the divine in Platonism and Tantra 01:00:11 The perennial structure of consciousness and awakening 57:12 The cycle of activity and the eternal return 58:45 The difference between manifestation and reincarnation 58:52 The ego's role in spiritual practice and potential dangers 01:00:11 Connecting with lineage across Eastern and Western traditions 01:01:09 Experiential understanding of texts and the importance of realization 01:02:06 Signs and phenomenology in spiritual experiences 01:03:00 Dealing with daimonic and divine appearances 01:04:27 The guidance of teachers and the value of lineage 01:05:25 The future of religion and the rise of intentional communities 01:07:25 Tantra and the recognition of the mind's nature 01:09:29 Reviving lost lineages through theoretical and experiential knowledge 01:11:18 The importance of direct experience over reconstruction 01:12:24 Science as a spiritual science and the integration with spirituality 01:13:00 The evolution of scientific paradigms and consciousness 01:15:34 The potential unification of science and non-dual awareness 01:19:01 The coming axial age and the evolution of spiritual thought 01:20:52 The role of local communities and decentralized spirituality 01:23:13 The shift from materialism to consciousness-centered science 01:26:36 The importance of experiential and phenomenological approaches 01:29:45 The new era of spiritual science and collective awakening 01:34:25 The perennial philosophy and non-centralized spiritual networks 01:40:38 Personalized revelation and signs of divine contact 01:44:25 The core of spiritual practice: heart, experience, and direct contact 01:46:00 The revival of tradition through personal experience and lineage 01:50:54 The importance of discernment and authentic divine contact 01:51:01 Where to find Odysseus Bournias Varotsis and closing remarks https://t.me/platonicbuddhism https://substack.com/@odysseusbourniasvarotsis https://www.youtube.com/@LogosAndDharma

  5. Jun 13

    Platonic Epistemology: TAG, Presup and Apologetics

    In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of presuppositionalism, the Tag argument, and their connections to Platonic epistemology. We explore how these arguments shape apologetics and the philosophical foundations of knowledge and truth. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of Platonic philosophy, epistemology, and theology, exploring how these ideas underpin arguments for God's existence and the nature of reality. We also discuss common misconceptions and strategic approaches in philosophical debates. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Platonic Epistemology 03:04 Understanding Presuppositionalism and TAG 06:08 Critique of Presuppositional Arguments 08:49 The Role of TAG in Apologetics 11:58 Knowledge and Intelligibility 14:55 The Impossibility of the Contrary 17:48 The Nature of Being and the One 21:02 The Trinity and Its Implications 24:08 Separation of Theology and Metaphysics 45:34 Theological Foundations and Presuppositions 48:00 Universalism vs. Particularity in Theology 51:35 Logos and the Nature of Knowledge 54:00 Understanding Knowledge: Justified True Belief 01:00:09 Agrippa's Trilemma and the Limits of Justification 01:06:01 Knowledge vs. Belief: A Platonic Perspective 01:09:57 The Nature of Knowledge and Its Conveyance 01:14:57 Language and the Challenges of Philosophical Discourse 01:24:30 The Nature of Knowledge and Belief 01:27:03 Common Ground in Arguments 01:29:08 The TAG Argument and Its Implications 01:30:58 Critiquing the Trinity and Coherence 01:33:59 Truth vs. Coherence in Arguments 01:36:10 Exploring the TAG Argument Further 01:38:51 Understanding Transcendence and Universals 01:51:56 The Relationship Between the Many and the One 02:04:58 Reflections on Metaphysics and Reality 02:10:00 Platonism as a Religious Worldview

  6. May 10

    Universalism with American Esoteric | Collin Conkwright

    In this episode, Collin Conkwright discusses his spiritual journey, the concept of universalism, and the importance of experiential religion. He explores the nature of spiritual phenomena, the role of dogmatism, and the potential of parapsychology and UFOs to expand our understanding of reality. In this engaging conversation, Collin Conkwright explores the mysteries of consciousness, spiritual dimensions, and universal principles that underpin reality. Delving into topics like near-death experiences, the nature of gods, and the fall of the soul, this dialogue offers profound insights into the nature of existence and the potential for a new understanding of spirituality. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Exploration 02:53 The Quest for Universal Truths 05:56 Understanding Universalism and Its Misconceptions 08:48 Experiential Religion and Spiritual Realism 11:56 The Balance of Dogmatism and Experience 15:02 The Role of Religious Literacy 18:10 Bridging Materialism and Spirituality 21:07 The Future of Dogmatic Religions 24:06 Experiential Origins of Religious Beliefs 26:54 Modern Phenomena and Ancient Wisdom 29:59 The Importance of Direct Experience 33:10 High Stakes vs. Low Stakes Experiences 45:53 Exploring Spiritual Realism and Synchronicity 51:32 The Nature of Spiritual Beings and Phenomena 57:58 The Intersection of Spirituality and UFOs 01:06:25 Universalism and the Nature of Deities 01:14:49 Universal Laws and the Nature of Time 01:21:15 The Nature of Time and Collective Consciousness 01:24:44 The Fall of the Soul: Ignorance and Illusion 01:27:49 Experiencing Forgetfulness: The Journey of the Soul 01:30:40 The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth 01:35:50 The Shift from Materialism to Consciousness 01:39:10 Religious Literacy and the Need for Nuance 01:44:31 The Future of Spirituality: Balancing Dogma and Freedom https://www.youtube.com/@americanesoteric https://a.co/d/0bGTxd1t

  7. Apr 25

    Plato and Nietzsche with Mark Anderson

    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 life Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Mark Anderson and the scope of the episode 02:05 - Mark's journey into philosophy: from art to academia 04:13 - The influence of Plato and Nietzsche in Anderson’s work 07:15 - The structure of Anderson’s new book and its focus on Platonism 09:13 - Tracing the history of being from Parmenides to Plotinus 12:54 - The shift to becoming and the rise of nominalism with Occam 19:12 - The impact of modernity and nihilism in contemporary thought 23:23 - Philosophy as a way of life and the philosopher artist 27:21 - The environment of Plato’s Greece and the sophists 32:50 - The metaphysics of forms and the influence of Parmenides and Heraclitus 36:59 - The debates over the nature of reality and flux in Plato and Heraclitus 44:16 - The concept of the ultimate good and its connection to Platonic metaphysics 52:25 - Aquinas and the Christian reinterpretation of Platonism 62:55 - The revolutionary ideas of William of Ockham and the shift toward modern science 73:49 - Hume’s problem of induction and the flux of experience 84:50 - Nietzsche’s critique of metaphysics and the notion of the will to power 93:45 - The concept of the eternal return and its implications for meaning 98:01 - The difference between metaphysical and psychological nihilism 102:01 - Nietzsche’s depiction of nihilism as the death of God and the rejection of being 107:15 - The “Yes-sayer”: embracing nihilism and transforming it into life-affirmation 113:34 - The ongoing tension between being and becoming in culture and history 120:00 - Final thoughts: imagining Nietzsche and Plato togetherResources & Links: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/concise-history-of-western-philosophy-9781350555976/

  8. Apr 4

    Sanatana Dharma and Platonism with Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya

    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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sanatana Dharma and Acharya Pravartaka 05:16 Exploring the Parallels Between Platonism and Sanatana Dharma 10:08 Understanding Brahman: Nirguna and Saguna 20:33 The Nature of Devas and Mahadevas 29:38 The Mortality of Gods and Their Cosmic Role 32:33 The Nature of Gods and Reincarnation 34:33 Worshiping the Gods: Imitating Goodness 38:12 Pythagorean Parallels: Philosophy and Practice 43:28 Building Spiritual Communities 49:02 The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Movements 55:40 Envisioning a Golden Age: A New Civilization 01:00:07 The Future of Abrahamic Faiths in a New Era 01:04:02 The Vedic Jesus vs. The Pauline Jesus 01:09:46 Critique of Nietzsche and His Influence 01:15:53 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Spirituality 01:20:46 The Importance of Ethnicity and Community 01:26:10 Decentralization and Local Governance 01:32:07 The Role of Individualism in Community Life Links Website - https://dharmacentral.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/dharmanation

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About

The Platonists explores how ancient wisdom illuminates modern life. Join us for conversations with philosophers, mystics, and creators, plus commentary on new books and ideas shaping the Platonic revival. A podcast for people seeking truth, depth, and the cultivated life. www.platonicpath.org

Information

  • Creator
    Ancient wisdom for the modern world
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ancient wisdom for the modern world
  • Show Website
    The Platonists

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