HPhil Seminar: March 30, 2023

The HPhil (History of Philosophy) Research Group of the Centre of Philosophy of the University of Lisbon announces the 2022/23 edition of its permanent seminar on the history of philosophy, devoted to the presentation of conferences by renowned specialists while also creating opportunities to emerging scholars, aiming to promote advanced studies in groundbreaking debates and the permanent training of its academic community.

In this session of the seminar, Jan Opsomer (KU Leuven) will present a paper entitled “Philosophy in quest of geometric rigour. The Elements of Proclus and its origins” (abstract below). The handout is available here.

The session will take place on March 30, 2023, at 5 p.m., in the Room C201.J (Room Mattos Romão, Department of Philosophy). The entrance is free.

 

Abstract

Proclus’ Elements of theology is believed to be the first text to apply the format of geometric manuals to metaphysical, or theological, issues. This text, however, is not Proclus’ only stoicheiôsis, since Proclus is also the author of the Elements of physics. In this talk, I shall compare some formal features of these two texts with the geometric tradition and examine the argumentative model of the Elements of theology. A study of the historical background will reveal that Proclus was not the first philosopher to have applied the formal features of the geometric model in philosophy. That honour is due to Aristotle.