The Ancient Greek word for fire, πῦρ (pur), is present throughout Plato’s dialogues and the discussions of the commentators, ranging from describing what can barely be described along the dance from the One and the Henads to the fire within the cosmos as described in the Timaeus to trying to find an etymology in the Cratylus. Taking a deep look at fire everywhere would require many hours, many days, and many years — the Platonic tradition provides a truly prodigious amount of fuel for discussion — so we will focus our intellectual rays on kindling light in a few interesting passages from Plato’s dialogues and elsewhere.
We will be using this paper as the starting point for our discussion: Fire Symbolism in Plato.
This session will be represented by Kaye Boesme. These open sessions usually run twice on the same day to accommodate different time zones- – see the link below. These sessions take 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.
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.
You can register for the UK timed session via zoom here. This session is at 19:45 BST.
To register for the Americas-timed session, which starts at 19:30 EDT please go here.