Secret Teachings of Plato & Theology of Arithmetic - Pythagorean Origins of Sacred Geometry

Did Plato have secret, unwritten doctrines (ἄγραφα δόγματα) deeply influenced by the mathematical esotericism of Pythagoras? From his works, comments by Aristotle, the philosophical project of the Old Academy and later Neo-Pythagorean teachings of Nicomachus of Gerasa and Iamblichus, there is substantial, though controversial evidence, that Plato's deepest teachings are not only to be found in the Dialogues as we know them.  What might have these "unwritten doctrines" taught?  It may be that a small 4th century ce digest of Arithmology, the intersection of ancient Metaphysics and Mathematics, attributed to Iamblichus might give us insight into these esoteric Platonic teachings and their survival into contemporary philosophy and physics. Join me as we explore this fascinating topic, at the heart of the origins of western philosophy!

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#Plato #Pythagoras #SacredGeometry

Cooper - Plato - Complete Works - 978-0872203495
Waterfield - The Theology of Arithmetic - 978-0933999725
Dillon - The Heirs of Plato: A Study of the Old Academy (347-274 BC) - 978-0199279463
Kramer - Plato and the Foundations of Metaphysics: A Work on the Theory of the Principles and Unwritten Doctrines of Plato with a Collection of the Fundamental Documents - 978-0791404348
Nikulin - The Other Plato: The Tübingen Interpretation of Plato's Inner-Academic Teachings - 978-1438444109

[TheEsotericaChannel]

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[DrMARDOC]

When I was in medical school I had a Greek classmate who was very Holistically orientated —as was I. He told me that the Ancient Greek method is solving problems could be reduced to geometry and thoughtful questions. He used a triangle to illustrate this to me. He also told me that all geometrical shapes and solids had their own special philosophical interfaces with human consciousness and problem solving. I would be extremely grateful for your kindly teaching us about this

[panagiotiskapetanis]

It is refreshing to see an academic video on YouTube about Plato's possible esotericism. I actually wrote my Master Thesis on the birth of the World Soul in Timaeus and during the process I came across a couple of books about this very topic that you might find interesting enough to check them out. They are Kennedy, J. B.: The Musical Structure of Plato's Dialogues and Reale, Giovanni: Toward a New Interpretation of Plato.

[natalinabartlett]

This episode blew me. I have never had the pleasure of STUDYING philosophy and this information was new to me and so informative and incredible.

[corticallarvae]

I think you provide a very serious service to mankind, and are absolutely the only channel worth financially backing. Im in no way being a sycophant, I honestly believe this. There is a profound gaping hole in the world where finding meaning, or even a reason to continue to even exist is falling away. That is a horrible state of affairs in every nation. Here are a slew of answers ( to that condition) in a massive spectrum.

[CodyDmusic]

Man I been diving into all things esoteric and ancient for the past year and I am just obsessed. And I’m so happy to find your channel. I wish I could be an intern for someone like you just to be around the atmosphere. Love your stuff, keep it up!

[AaronKarper]

As a mathematician at heart I really appreciated the call out to Russell and Whiteheads Principia Mathematica and Kurt Gödels takedown. It's a fun connection that the Pythagorean idea that everything is a natural number or a ratio of them: When somebody found a proof that square root of two can't be one and alegedly the Pythagoreans hunting this mathematician / heretic down and drowning them. Fortunately Russell's followers did not go to such lengths.

[Prof_Torrentus]

Years ago I came across a book called "The Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans" by Thomas Taylor. It introduced me to the concept of Arithmology and since then I've been interested in the topic. This video is exciting, and I appreciate the resources in the description for further research, as I've come to understand that Taylor's book is not exactly the best book for understanding Arithmology.

Thank you again, Dr Sledge, for making these videos. I appreciate your work and dedication to education!

[nathanielkingsbury]

Fascinating video, Dr. Sledge! It's really interesting learning how the Greeks thought about mathematics, and especially how "1" and "2" are given such significant meanings. Thank you for this video, and I especially look forward to future discussions of Plato's unwritten doctrines!

[DianaRowanBrightWay]

Riveting! It rings so true that these esoteric teachings existed. I love the emphasis on experience in addition to book learning - being a musician, I feel music gives us to a chance to wheel through the cosmos in straight up arithmetic and geometry. Very interesting point about many present day spiritual paths not tapping into numbers much beyond a bit of numerology here and there. Also loved the notion of raising group energy and experiencing a new reality as a result. You’re making this space for us right here!

[salrkimmich]

Yes I'm obsessed - this is what I've been hoping this channel would get to. We are using quaballistic math to understand software architectural integrity, this what we call in modern day Applied Category

[JusticeStiles]

Dr. Sledge, not only are you a great educator and popularizer of esoteric philosophy, you may be one of the most successful book sellers of all time. I'm quite happy with how my library has expanded due to your show notes.

[milojohnson]

Absolutely one of the greatest YouTube channels in the history of the platform. I feel blown away after each and every video. And Goonies never say die! Praise Bob, yall!

[clairiefaerieh]

I'm a long time watcher but this video just got assigned to me by my university course! Was so happy to see your name on the list. Thanks for all the work you do :)

[DrJones-vzqx]

Interesting and illuminating indeed! You could spend a chunk of time lecturing on the Quadrivium, and hear no complaints from this guy:) Well done.

[vatirhea]

You rock! I absolutely love this topic. I have been fixated on understanding the esoteric aspects of Plato for 35 years. When I finish work today, I'll become a Patron. I'm happy to support this kind of content. Can't wait to rewatch this lecture after work tonight. ❤️ I'm particularly interested if the subject will offer any insight into the Eleusinian Mysteries and any connections or parallels with the Theurgy of the Chaldean Oracles. We have lost so much through the ages, and this missing information feels like a hole inside me.

[andythedishwasher]

You're tapping into a potent current, I think. This particular issue seems to be at the heart of why computer scientists have become so interested in occult philosophy over the years. These teachings really seem to center around what numbers actually ARE and what they can potentially do when that identity is understood. A computer scientist's job consists almost entirely of understanding and expanding the potential of what numbers can do in the real world.

[jeffd]

Yes please DO explore this topic and it's central importance to Western Magic.

[matthewbecker]

Oooh baby, I'm excited about this one! Thanks again for your wonderful work, dear Dr Sledge!

[JDG]

Amazing! I was just reading about the esoteric teaching of Plato earlier and boom here it is. Literally, I jumped on here a few minutes afterward and you posted it only a few hours before. I went back to read some more and returned here to watch again and this is very interesting. I am reading The Western Cambridge Handbook to Western Mysticism and Esotericism and watching your videos and have learned so much! I appreciate your hard work brother. Thank you!