Online Lecture on «Aristotle’s Criticism of the Theory of Forms between Athens and Alexandria: Syrianus and Asclepius οn the Αrguments for the Εxistence of Forms.» by Pieter d’Hoine
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 2022 talks is “Alexandrian and Athenian Neoplatonism”, with a special focus on Plotinus (204/5-270) as well as on later Neoplatonic developments on, and criticisms to, Plotinus.
All welcome!
Οn Wednesday Oct. 26, at 19:00 (Athens time) Prof. Pieter d’Hoine (KU Leuven) will give a lecture on «Aristotle’s Criticism of the Theory of Forms between Athens and Alexandria: Syrianus and Asclepius οn the Αrguments for the Εxistence of Forms».
Abstract
Much has been written in recent decades about the relation between the Athenian and Alexandrian commentators of the fifth and sixth centuries AD. Many of these studies suffer from the fact that there are hardly any cases where one can compare the interpretations of a single source-text by commentators from Athens and Alexandria. Syrianus’ commentary on Metaphysics M and Asclepius’ commentary on Metaphysics A provide a valuable exception. In this talk, I will present a case study on Syrianus’ and Asclepius’ ways of approaching Aristotle’s criticism of the Forms. Taking as our starting point the analysis of both commentators’ response to the criticism of the Platonic arguments for the existence of Forms in Metaphysics A/M and in On Ideas, we will try to get a better grip on the doctrinal and exegetical affinities and divergences between the two commentators and their schools.
You can register in advance to our seminar meetings using the following link.