Online Lecture on «Epistemic Authority and Traditions of Wisdom: Iamblichus on Non-Hellenic Myths» by Jan Opsomer

Within the framework of the Research Project “Between Athens & Alexandria. Platonism, 3rd-7th c. CE” (2022-2024) supported by the A. S. Onassis Foundation, the IMS-FORTH, in collaboration with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s Center for Hellenistic Studies (ACHS), organizes a monthly online lecture series on late antique Neoplatonism (3rd-7th c. CE).
The series hosts invited talks in English or French by leading scholars in the field. Lectures take place via Zoom at 7pm Athens & Alexandria. Prior registration is required.
The topic of the 2023 talks is "Porphyry, Iamblichus, and 4th Century Neoplatonism".
All welcome!

Οn Tuesday Mar. 21, at 19:00 (Athens time) Research Professor Jan Opsomer (KU Leuven) will give a lecture on «Epistemic Authority and Traditions of Wisdom: Iamblichus on Non-Hellenic Myths».

Abstract
Non-Hellenic wisdom enjoys a high epistemic authority among ancient Platonists, and especially in the thought of Iamblichus. This is widely recognized in the scholarly literature. It is possible, however, to make finer distinctions. Using a model designed to distinguish different types of epistemic authority, I shall argue that Iamblichus attributes different degrees and types of epistemic authority to different traditions, and in different epistemic domains. This will be shown on the basis of Iamblichus’ Response to Porphyry (also known as De mysteriis) and of the Pythagorean Life.

You can register in advance to our seminar meetings using the following LINK.