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The Cambridge Centre for the Study of Platonism

New Volume | Douglas Hedley and Daniel Tolan, 'Participation in the Divine'
The Cambridge Centre for the Study of Platonism is proud to announce the publication of a new volume exploring the philosophical history of the concept of participation from antiquity to modernity: Participation in the Divine, edited by Prof. Douglas Hedley and Dr Daniel J. Tolan. 
 
The concept of participation in a transcendent domain of existence is central to the Platonic and the Judaeo-Christian traditions. It is how thinkers throughout history have justified existence itself, explaining temporal being vis-à-vis God. Yet in the wake of secularisation and the widespread phenomenon of disenchantment, this once ubiquitous and coveted notion has fallen into desuetude. The essays in this volume analyse and explore this key concept in the history of Western thought. They provide, for the first time, a rigorous and accessible account of participation, a pivotal concept in Western philosophy and theology, from antiquity to the modern era. Bringing together contributions by an international team of leading scholars of the Platonic tradition, the volume challenges a standard distinction between philosophy and theology. It also enables a comprehensive understanding of figures who do not fit neatly into the modern university's division of these subjects.
 
The book, which can be purchased here, was the subject of a dedicated panel as part of the Platonism and Neoplatonism Unit at the American Academy of Religion's meeting in San Diego in November 2024. 

Latest news

Conference | Godlikeness | 9th-10th June 2025

7 February 2025

On Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th June 2025, the Cambridge Centre for the study of Platonism will host a conference 'Godlikeness', exploring the theme of theosis/divinization in Christian Platonism and beyond. Further details to follow.

Talk | John Vervaeke, 'Awakening from the Meaning Crisis'

30 January 2025

On Tuesday 4th March 2025, the Centre will host Dr John Vervaeke, who will give a talk, 'Awakening from the Meaning Crisis'. This event will take place in the Runcie Room of the faculty of Divinity, from 1-3pm (UK time). The talk can be joined via this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83321325592

Talk | Robert Wallace, 'The God of the Philosophers: How transcendence is everywhere'

30 January 2025

On Monday 3rd March 2025, the Centre will host Dr Robert Wallace, who will give a talk, 'The God of the Philosophers: How transcendence is everywhere'. This event will take place online, beginning at 5pm (UK time). The talk can be joined via this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83321325592

Talk | Martin Shaw, 'Beauty & Eternity'

30 January 2025

On Monday 10th February 2025, the Centre will host Dr Martin Shaw, who will give a talk, 'Beauty & Eternity'. This event will take place in the Runcie Room of the Faculty of Divinity, beginning at 5pm (UK time). The talk can be joined remotely via this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83321325592

Talk | Aidan Nichols, 'Acheiropoietai: Images made without hands'

30 January 2025

On Monday 3rd February 2025, the Centre will host Revd Dr Aidan Nichols, who will give a talk, 'Acheiropoietai: Images made without hands'. This event will take place in the Runcie Room of the Faculty of Divinity, beginning at 5pm (UK time). The talk can be joined remotely via this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/...