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The Cambridge Centre for the Study of Platonism

 

Dr. Andreea-Maria Lemnaru Espuna (PhD in Philosophy, Paris Sorbonne University) has been awarded a fellowship funded by the Austrian Science Fund at the University of Vienna as the Principal Investigator of the research project ‘Cosmic Sympathy in Neoplatonism’ - ESP-693. 

This project’s goal is to emphasize the value of the Platonic tradition in addressing our time’s most important challenge: the survival of the planet in the ecological crisis. 

‘Cosmic Sympathy in Neoplatonism’ aims at analyzing the foundations of cosmic sympathy in Plotinus, Iamblichus, and Proclus - with an interest in the early-Christian concept of providence and Asian philosophy of religions and nature. 

The project will bring out 2 underexplored, yet major aspects of late antique Neoplatonism: 

1. the sanctity of nature, its philosophical implications and practical consequences 

2. the central role of divine feminine principles and how they operate within the onto-metaphysical hierarchy 

‘Cosmic Sympathy in Neoplatonism’ will result in the production of a monograph and the organization of several conferences in collaboration with the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Platonism. 

It will provide a work of reference on this major topic of Western cosmology and metaphysics to philosophers, historians of religions and philologists, in addition to building a valuable bridge between Ancient Philosophy, Philosophy of Religions and Philosophy of Nature.

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/...