A (timely) addendum: Reading Algis Uzdavinys, who advances an argument that is perhaps applicable here.
In his estimation, the modern take is either that philosophy was a mere vehicle to get us to a scientific worldview (at which point it can be safely discarded) or that modern philosophy merely consists it weighing various viewpoints, their merits, and perhaps their utilitarian or practical implications.
But ancient philosophy, particularly Platonism, was not this. Instead, it was a systematic method—not unlike myths, contemplation of cultic statues, and mystery rites—for preparing the soul for ascent to the Divine.
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Date: 2023-06-23 10:32 am (UTC)In his estimation, the modern take is either that philosophy was a mere vehicle to get us to a scientific worldview (at which point it can be safely discarded) or that modern philosophy merely consists it weighing various viewpoints, their merits, and perhaps their utilitarian or practical implications.
But ancient philosophy, particularly Platonism, was not this. Instead, it was a systematic method—not unlike myths, contemplation of cultic statues, and mystery rites—for preparing the soul for ascent to the Divine.