Why Didn't Ancient Philosophers Eat Meat?

Explore the fascinating intersection of vegetarianism and animal sacrifice in the ancient Hellenic and Roman worlds, with a focus on the Neoplatonic philosopher Porphyry. This video delves into the religious and ethical debates surrounding animal sacrifice in ancient Greece and Rome, highlighting Porphyry’s influential works, such as On Abstinence from Animal Food. Learn how Porphyry's Neoplatonic views challenged traditional rituals and promoted a vegetarian lifestyle for spiritual purification. Ideal for history enthusiasts, philosophy scholars, and anyone interested in ancient religious practices.

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Music by:
Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Clark, Gillian (translated by) (2000). "Porphyry: On Abstinence from Killing Animals". Bristol Classical Press.

Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press.

Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.

Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.

Iamblichus "On the Mysteries". Tranlsated by Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon & Jackson P. Hershell. Writings from the Graeco-Roman World. Society of Biblical Literature.

Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.

Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.


Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:34 Ancient Hellenic Religion
3:34 Pythagoras & Vegetarianism
5:41 Neoplatonism
8:51 Porphyry
13:36 On Abstinence
15:18 Ascetic Vegetarianism
18:44 Ethical Vegetarianism
22:23 Metaphysics & Animal Sacrifice
28:13 Implications for Neoplatonism & Legacy
32:41 Conclusions




#vegetarian #ancient #rome