Divination and Theurgy in Neoplatonism

Oracles of the Gods

Crystal Addey

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN:
  9781409451525
• eBook ISBN:
  9781317148982
• Topic: Philosophy
• Subtopic: Ancient History

Why did ancient philosophers consult oracles, write about them, and consider them to be an important part of philosophical thought and practice? This book explores the extensive links between oracles and philosophy in Late Antiquity, particularly focusing on the roles of oracles and other forms of divination in third and fourth century CE Neoplatonism. Examining some of the most significant debates between pagan philosophers and Christian intellectuals on the nature of oracles as a central yet contested element of religious tradition, Addey focuses particularly on Porphyry's Philosophy from Oracles and Iamblichus' De Mysteriis - two works which deal extensively with oracles and other forms of divination. This book argues for the significance of divination within Neoplatonism and offers a substantial reassessment of oracles and philosophical works and their relationship to one another. With a broad interdisciplinary approach, encompassing Classics, Ancient Philosophy, Theology, Religious Studies and Ancient History, Addey draws on recent anthropological and religious studies research which has challenged and re-evaluated the relationship between rationality and ritual.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• List of Abbreviations
• 1 Oracles and Philosophy
• 2 Oracles, Allegory and Mystery Cults
• 3 Debating Oracles: Pagan and Christian Perspectives
• 4 Debating Oracles: Porphyry’s Letter to Anebo and Iamblichus’ De Mysteriis
• 5 Divination, Rationality and Ritual in Neoplatonism
• 6 Divine Inspiration, Possession and Contact with the Gods in Iamblichus’ De Mysteriis
• 7 Divination and Theurgy in Iamblichus’ De Mysteriis
• 8 Manifesting the Gods: Oracles as Symbola
• Bibliography
• Index