The Gods of the Platonic Tradition (3)

Plato and the other sages of the Platonic tradition in the ancient world were pagans: they actively promoted communion with the Gods, and in their writings referred to particular Gods and Goddesses in connection with particular cosmic and human activities. Why was this? Modern commentators often suggest that this was merely cultural conditioning, and an aspect of the Platonic tradition which can safely be ignored. But this upholding of pagan practices continued well into the sixth century AD and so strong was their adherence, that in 529AD the emperor Justinian forced the closure of the Platonic schools simply because they were the main source of opposition to the contemporary Christian Church and Christianized Emperorship. Perhaps, then, there were good reasons that these philosophers framed their philosophy within the pagan worldview. This session is the third of three linked evenings on this theme (the first was on Sept 14th, and the second on October 12th). If you missed the first two, you should be able to pick up the thread of the theme, especially if you read the text of the short introductory lecture given at the first session, and the short text we looked at on the second evening – its available to download in PDF form on the Trust’s website. The download also contains this evening’s reading.

The session will be based around a short extract from Proclus (a Platonist of the 5th century AD, and one of the last heads of the Athenian Academy) – but, as usual, it will mainly consist of a group collaborative discussion on the ideas emerging from this short reading.

No previous experience of formal philosophy is required.

Entrance in free, but donations between £3-5 will be welcomed.

More details of this and other activities of the Prometheus Trust’s at: www.prometheustrust.co.uk (the download PDF is on the “London Monday Evenings” page).