Neoplatonism For Real People with Max Wade

In this episode of VarnVlog, C. Derick Varn sits down with scholar Max Wade to dive deep into ancient philosophy, exploring the evolution, metaphysics, and lasting legacy of Neoplatonism. Together, they unpack the shift from Plato’s classical dialogues—such as the Republic and the Parmenides—to the systematized, highly technical metaphysical frameworks developed by late antique Neoplatonists like Plotinus and Proclus. They discuss the historical periodizations of Platonism, the role of commentary traditions, the friction between Neoplatonists and Gnostics, and how Neoplatonic thought secretly shaped early modern philosophy, German Idealism, and French Spiritualism. Featured Topics & Takeaways: The Trajectory of Platonism: How Platonism evolved from the early aporetic dialogues through Middle Platonism (Plutarch, the Timaeus) to the Neoplatonism of Plotinus and Proclus. Plotinus vs. Proclus: The differences in their approach to the "One," the immortality of the soul, and the role of theurgy (god-magic) and ritual. The Anti-Commentary Bias: How 18th-century Protestant historiography led to a modern neglect of Neoplatonist commentary traditions. Polemics with the Gnostics: Why Plotinus actively critiqued Gnostics and Christians who viewed the physical world as inherently evil. Enduring Legacy: How Neoplatonism influenced Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius, the Renaissance humanists (Ficino), the Cambridge Platonists, and French Spiritualism (Bergson).  Links & Support Patreon: Support VarnVlog on Patreon to access exclusive classes, reading lists, and behind-the-scenes content: https://www.patreon.com/varnvlog Order: Order my new mini-book with Daniel Tutt, "The People Are Not One," available now via Revol Press: https://www.revolpress.com/people-not-one Guest Links: Find Max Wade's academic articles and popular writing at https://maxwade.online. Send us Fan Mail Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake Support the show Crew: Host: C. Derick Varn Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake. Intro Video Design: Jason Myles Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn Links and Social Media: twitter: @varnvlog blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social You can find the additional streams on Youtube Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic,Julian, Drea, Free Beer, SNT-BRCH, Joshua Parsons