This is our online advanced course. To find out more details about our online courses please see our dedicated page here. To register please use our google form here.
This autumn the advance module will study the last 51 propositions of Proclus’ Elements of Theology. Proclus’ systematic exposition of the metaphysics of Platonic philosophy is one of the great treasures of the tradition.
Having laid down the basic rules of metaphysics and offered a framework with which to contemplate the order of reality, in the first half of this short work, In the second half Proclus explores the nature of the Gods and their specific characteristics. We will pick up what then follows: the nature of being seen as intellect – arising from the Gods, intrinsically knowable, and eternal in both essence and activity (propositions 160-183). From this to a consideration of soul (184-211) with its more complex nature, being both eternal and temporal, transcending body and yet informing and enlivening it. Over the weeks we expect to be able to draw on Proclus’ other writings, especially his Commentaries on the Parmenides and the Timaeus.
This is a 8 week course, taking place fortnighlty on Sundays at 6pm (UK time), starting in September 2025. The eight sessions are timed to run between 6-7.45pm UK time on the following Sundays 114th & 28th Sept; 12th & 26th Oct; 9th & 23rd Nov; 7th & 21st Dec 2025. Discussion and zoom link on slack. We use zoom and share thoughts in between sessions on Slack.
The advanced studies are especially aimed at those who feel themselves to be reasonably well established in the Platonic tradition, and who are committed to that tradition as their primary vehicle of philosophic endeavour. According to the sages of this path philosophy not only engages the best of our gnostic and life-giving powers, but also embraces a conscious communion with the higher powers through appropriate devotional practices (as Plato affirms in his Laws at 716d).
The material we cover is demanding, and we aim to go into it as deeply as possible, using basic Platonic concepts as a firm foundation for our joint study. The Trust is not in the business of judging individuals and so we leave it to you to decide whether or not you are likely to benefit by joining this level of exploration: if you would like to talk over the kind of level we are likely to be pitching the studies at please contact the education co-ordinator with the email address in the contacts footer, who would be happy to email or set up a private zoom session to talk it through.
We do need to emphasize that if you are looking simply to place Platonism in the context of what one might call the universal tradition of humankind, this is not what the explorations are aimed at – as honourable and as useful as such endeavours are. Our view is that one should drink deeply of a single coherent tradition and that an appreciation of the universal will spontaneously arise if, as it should be, the spirit of tolerance and openness is cultivated as part of that tradition. This ongoing course is our best attempt at assisting those whose focus is upon the Platonic path.
If you would like to see other upcoming online courses please click the online tag under Event type above.