Neoplatonic Virtue: Plato, Iamblichus, and Divine Madness
In this class, we return to the Platonic texts that form the background for Plotinus and Iamblichus, focusing especially on the Phaedrus and its account of divine madness. We examine how Iamblichus draws ona different set of Platonic texts and concerns in his ethical theory.
The central question explored is whether rituals can truly be effective without the presence of a fully realized philosopher. We discuss the theory of auxiliary causes, the role of ritual purity, and the critical distinction between divine inspiration and rational technique.
Toward the end, we consider empirical objections—what about those witches whose rituals seem to work, even if they’re not philosophers? This leads us into a preview of next week’s topic: the distinction between theurgy and magic.