Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) The Esoteric Plotinus, Part I: Philosophic Silence and Esoteric Reading
Mar 31, 2021
Exploring the role of Platonists in shaping Western Esotericism, focusing on secrecy and silence. Discussing the esoteric teachings of Platonists and their soul-to-soul connection with students. Exploring hidden messages in Platonist institutions and the integration of religion and philosophy. Delving into esoteric reading in Platonism, including enigmatic and esoteric modes of reading. Highlighting the fusion of religious and philosophical elements in late Platonism. Exploring the Hellenic character and apophatic writing in Platinus.
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Porphyry's Portrayal Creates Philosophic Silence
- Porphyry frames Plotinus as an esoteric sage using tropes like vows of silence and reluctance to publish to signal elite wisdom.
- These anecdotes form a stylistic norm called philosophic silence, often more rhetorical than literal.
Philosophic Silence Is A Rhetorical Strategy
- Philosophic silence functions as social positioning rather than proven biography, signaling elite status to readers.
- Porphyry likely selected or shaped episodes (vows, travel) to fulfill tropological expectations of a sage.
The Gordian East Journey May Be More Tropology Than Travel
- Porphyry's story that Plotinus traveled east with Emperor Gordian evokes a sage-seeker image but is logistically dubious.
- The host notes it's plausible Plotinus went east but unlikely he had philosophic chats amid an invading army.