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.

About the Author
Elsa Giovanna Simonetti obtained her PhD in philosophy from Universita di Padova and KU Leuven in 2016.

Reviews
"An extremely thorough, erudite, and convincing exploration of Plutarch's philosophical conceptions of oracular divination, which offers a detailed and sensitive analysis of Plutarch's philosophical theories regarding the operation and efficacy of divination and makes an extremely important contribution to scholarship on ancient philosophy and its relationship with divination. As such, this work should be read by all scholars and postgraduate students of ancient philosophy and Graeco-Roman religions. It will also be immensely useful for scholars and students in philosophy, classics, religious studies, theology, and anthropology." * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9789462701113
Author Elsa Giovanna Simonetti
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Leuven University Press
Publisher Leuven University Press
Weight(grams) 565g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 160mm * 20mm