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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
16th April and 21st May: The Crito
We are planning to look at a somewhat neglected Platonic dialogue - the Crito - over the next two Open Sessions. The Crito sits between the Apology and the Phaedo: the first deals with Socrates defence before the Athenian jury and especially addresses the place of the philosophical life in the outer world, while the Phaedo deals with Socrates’ "second defence" before his philosophical companions and addresses the cathartic inner life. The Crito, a short conversation between Socrates and Crito, allows the movement between the two perspectives, and, I think, has important things to say to those who are in that space. The first session will be at the normal time (19.45 London time), on 16th April, with the second session on 21st May); we are also repeating the two sessions at a time more convenient for those in the US and Canade at 7.3pm EDT. Here is some introductory material and the dialogue. Download the dialogue and some introductory material: Crito with intro and extra material Register here for UK session: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIuce6trjksHNXmZjQ8eZ7Mr_deCE187F_M Register here for the US/Canada session (7.30pm EDT): Future dates for our open sessions in 2024: June 18th, July 16th and August 20th
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