A Perfect Medium?

An in-depth analysis of oracular divination in Plutarch’s thought
Oracular divination was of special concern for Plutarch of Chaeronea (45–120 AD), Platonic philosopher as well as priest at the oracle of Apollo in Delphi. The peculiar nature of Delphic divination as an (im)perfect intermediary between the material and the immaterial world is fathomed in a thorough study of Plutarch’s Delphic dialogues. This in-depth philosophical-conceptual analysis will disclose an original interpretation of oracular divination in Plutarch as interconnected with his psychological and cosmological conceptions. A Perfect Medium? reveals the Delphic temple as a crucial element in Plutarch’s philosophy, as a microcosm reflecting the cosmic dynamics, and as a symbol embodying the relationship between human thirst for knowledge and divine absolute wisdom.

This publication is GPRC-labeled (Guaranteed Peer-Reviewed Content).

"A Perfect Medium?" was written by Elsa Giovanna Simonetti.

Elsa Giovanna Simonetti obtained her PhD in philosophy from Università di Padova and KU Leuven in 2016.

Yes, "A Perfect Medium?" is part of the "Plutarchea Hypomnemata" series.

The series Plutarchea Hypomnemata intends to further the scholarly study of, and international dialogue on, this rich Corpus Plutarcheum. To that end it welcomes monographs that explore specific themes developed in one or more Plutarchan writings, offer a thorough interpretation of and/or commentary on a particular text, or discuss various aspects of Plutarch's authorial activity, philosophical thinking, religious ideas, political convictions, and attitude towards history, science, and the arts. We also welcome studies that situate him in broader ideological and literary contexts (such as the so-called ‘Second Sophistic', ‘Middle Platonism', ancient biography) and/or in a contemporary political, social, and religious context.

Volumes in this series meet the highest scholarly standards and contribute significantly to the field of Plutarch studies. Specifically, they raise innovative questions while firmly grounded in sound methodology; they reach well-argued and original conclusions; and they are disseminated in the appropriate scientific format. This overall quality is guaranteed by international peer review.

Editorial Board

Jan Opsomer (KU Leuven), Geert Roskam (KU Leuven), Frances Titchener (Utah State University, Logan), Luc Van der Stockt † (KU Leuven)

Proposals

Proposals and enquiries can be sent to Geert Roskam. Please send a preliminary abstract (1-2 pp.) and a short bio. Upon approval of this abstract, the full manuscript will be submitted to international peer review. Two peer reviewers will be asked for expert advice, three in case of conflicting reports. At least one peer reviewer is not a member of the editorial or advisory board.

Please make use of the submission form to present your manuscript or proposal to our board.
Authors interested in Open Access can consult the available funding options.

Links & Resources

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. An analysis of De Pythiae oraculis

1. Introduction

1.1. The character of Diogenianus and the style of philosophy

1.2 The role of the symbol

1.3 The function of the temple

2. The concept of krâsis

3. Prodigies

4. From poetry to prose

5. Enthusiasm

5.1 Body and soul

5.2 The soul of the Pythia

5.3 The dynamic of enthusiasm

5.4 The features of the Pythia

6. The history of the oracle

7. Solar symbolism

2. An analysis of De defectu oraculorum

1. Introduction

2. The character of Didymus and the style of philosophy

3. Narratives and inquiries

4. God’s responsibility

4.1. A plurality of worlds

5. The demons and the moon

5.1 Demonology, the kinds of divination and the structure of the soul

6. The psychology of divination

7. The sun and god

8. The theory of double causation

9. The theory of double causation applied on oracular divination

9.1 The pneûma

9.2 The role of the demons in the temple

9.3 Preliminary sacrifices and the concept of ‘kairos’

9.4 Delphi as a unique place

10. The Pythia

3. An analysis of De E apud Delphos

1. Introduction

2. Importance of symbols and riddles for philosophy and rational reflection

3. Tentative solutions

3.1. Apollo. The god of popular devotion

3.2. Religion and logic

3.3. Numerology and Pythagoreanism

4. Ammonius’ explanation

4.1. Ammonius: Apollo and the sun

4.2. Ammonius’ explanation of the ‘E’

5. The final image of Apollo and Plutarch’s god

5.1. Fate-providence-freedom

6. Plutarch’s dualism

6.1. Egypt and Oriental religions

7. ‘Conclusion’ and value of the dialogue

4. Divination and the soul

1. Plutarch’s psychology: the individual soul and the world soul

1.1. The individual soul

1.2. The cosmic soul

1.3. The analogy between the individual and the cosmic soul

2. The psychology of individual divination

3. Plutarch and the Timaeus

3.1. A ‘likely account’

3.2. Some remarks on the practical dynamics of Delphic divination

4. The “matter” of divination

4.1. The multiple characters of the Pythia

5. Apollo and the oracle: from chaos to harmony

6. The importance of studying the oracle

Conclusion

Bibliography

Abbreviations

Dictionaries

References

Index Locorum