Exploring a living tradition with the Prometheus Trust

The Prometheus Trust runs a number of remote courses (via Zoom) for both newcomers to Platonism (click here) and those who are more well established (here). But we also run open sessions (dates below) on a less structured basis, taking particular topics or passages from Plato and other writers in the tradition - these are open to anyone interested, and they attract a wide range of participants. We usually begin with a short 5 or 10 minute introduction to the subject in hand and (when appropriate) a reading of a short text: this leaves a good hour or so to discuss the ideas which arise.

Where a short text is to be discussed you will find it available for downloading a few days before the date of the session.

If you are interested do write to education@prometheustrust.co.uk in order to register and get access. There are no fees payable.

The Trust sees the Platonic tradition as a spiritual one: not only a guide for the outer life, but especially to be treasured for its assistance in the cultivation of the inner self - the soul - for, says Plato in the Timeaus, “we are not terrestrial plants, but blossoms of heaven.” We understand the tradition to be profound and cohesive, and one that repays the long-term effort required to truly embed oneself in it. Our approach is not exclusive - we value other traditions for their insights - nor is it dogmatic or an attempt to proselytise: however we are serious in our attempts to fathom the depths of the tradition, to identify its foundations, and where its teachings seem to run counter to accepted thinking to investigate them thoroughly rather than rejecting them prematurely. Thus our point of focus is on the teachings of the tradition and most especially our own inner response to them.

By joining our studies you are making no commitment beyond that of co-operating with us in our exploration of those truths which have inspired a company of men and women most luminous in their understanding, and unsparingly generous in their teaching. 

Upcoming dates and subjects of open sessions

All dates are Tuesdays, running from 7.45pm to 9.15 (London time) - with our
apologies to those in time zones which make these awkward!

14th November: The Platonic tradition looks at evil. Part 1.

For any philosophy which considers the universe as arising from a good God, or Gods, the issue of evil prompts a number of difficult questions: does it exist? In what way does it exist? What is its power? What is its source? Does it indicate two opposing originating principles? Or a divinity which is not all-powerful?

The great lights of the Platonic tradition – Plato, Plotinus, Iamblichus and Proclus – have all pondered these questions together with what should be an appropriate response to our experience of evil? The last two open sessions of the year we will take the opportunity to explore this. In this first session will look at what Plato and Plotinus have to say on the subject.

The evening will be presented by Tim Addey. 

Paper: The Platonic tradition looks at evil

19th December: The Platonic tradition looks at evil. Part 2.

For any philosophy which considers the universe as arising from a good God, or Gods, the issue of evil prompts a number of difficult questions: does it exist? In what way does it exist? What is its power? What is its source? Does it indicate two opposing originating principles? Or a divinity which is not all-powerful?

The great lights of the Platonic tradition – Plato, Plotinus, Iamblichus and Proclus – have all pondered these questions together with what should be an appropriate response to our experience of evil? The last two open sessions of the year In this second session will look at what Iamblichus and Proclus have to say on the subject.

The evening will be presented by Tim Addey.

Paper:

Future dates for our open sessions in 2024: Jan 16th. Feb 20th, Mar 19th, Apr 16th, May 14th and 18th June.