Plato's vision: One reality, two worlds, three natures?

Platonic cosmology - drawing the immaterial and material worlds together.

Plato is sometimes considered to be a dualist - a philosopher who neglected the material world in favour of his eternal forms: but is this a fair reflection of his views? This evening we'll look at his account of the creation of the physical universe in his masterly dialogue, the Timaeus: here we find that although he distinguishes the stability of the eternal world (with its dynamic forms) from the ever-flowing "coming to be" of the manifested world, nevertheless he understands them as forming one reality. He calls the manifested cosmos a "blessed god" and explores the overarching union of the differing states of being in terms of a unity which he calls the Good. We'll read a selection of extracts from the dialogue, and then discuss some of its implications.

No previous experience of formal philosophy is required.

Entrance is free, but donations between £3-5 will be welcomed.

A PDF download of the extract we will be reading is available on our website together with further details of this and other Prometheus Trust's activities: www.prometheustrust.co.uk (the PDF is on the "London Monday Evenings" page.)

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