The Greek word arete is usually translated as ‘virtue’, but can also be rendered as ‘excellence’: it is a subject which continually arises in Platonic dialogues and texts. What is arete, and why does is play such a prominent role in Platonic philosophy? Is it an essence, a power or an activity? Is there one thing or a plurality; and if many, what is the common feature that allows them to called by one name? We will use this session to explore arete and the soul’s relation to it as it passed from the most outward to the most inward states of activity and consciousness.
Admission is free, but we do encourage those who are able to donate £5 in order to cover our costs, either as cash on the day or donating through this website. To download the extracts we will be reading from please click here: The Platonic Tradition on Virtue.
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. It will display the time in your time zone. This session is at 19:45 GMT.
You can register for the Americas-timed session, which starts at 19:30 EDT here. We will be using Jitsi Meet for the platform, and you will get the link to the meeting when you complete the form.