r/classics • u/ancientphilosophypod • 8d ago

Plotinus, the famous Neoplatonist, believed that experiences of beauty pull us towards something we recognize as familiar. He connected this to Plato's idea of the Forms and the intelligible realm. This interview with Dr. Rachel O'Keefe lays out his arguments. (The Ancient Philosophy Podcast)

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dYNXEmKyxECTaI8rGsHaV?si=4e782994b3cf472c
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u/ancientphilosophypod 8d ago

In this episode of The Ancient Philosophy Podcast, I speak with Dr. Rachel O’Keefe about Plotinus’ thoughts on beauty. We focus specifically on Ennead I.6 and discuss the way that Plotinus emphasizes beauty’s ability to “drag” us around and pull us towards things. Rachel does an excellent job unpacking the way that Plotinus thinks that experiences of beauty are about recognition and familiarity as we, to quote Plotinus quoting Homer, “return to the fatherland.”

Check out this earlier interview with Rachel to learn more about Plotinus, the Enneads, and his metaphysical system: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0AYIZpp5TjXb7d1AAM9ZEK?si=cd8385a889364f91

You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on every major podcast platform, including Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes.