Dr Simon Trépanier (PhD)
Senior Lecturer in Classics, University of Edinburgh

Seminar Overview
A four-part seminar series tracing the emergence of philosophical theology in early Greek thought, from Xenophanes to Empedocles.

Seminar Structure and Topics

Seminar One | Saturday 6th December | 7pm–8pm (GMT) | Online Only
Greek Religion: From Homer to Cult and a First Critic – Xenophanes
Overview: An introduction to Greek religion, from the Homeric gods to standard cult practice, concluding with Xenophanes’ critique and reformed theology.
Optional pre-reading: Kirk & Raven (1957), pp. 163–181.

Seminar Two | Date to be announced
Nature and the Gods Harmonised: Ionian Science in Heraclitus
Overview: Heraclitus’ integration of Ionian science with religious thought, and his critique of popular attitudes to the Divine.
Optional pre-reading: Kirk & Raven (1957), pp. 182–216.

Seminar Three | Date to be announced
Supernatural Gods: Plato’s Metaphysics and Theology in the Phaedo
Overview: Plato’s conception of Forms and souls, and his metaphysical expansion of earlier theology.
Optional pre-reading: Phaedo 95a4–102a; 107c–115a8.

Seminar Four | Date to be announced
A Presocratic Problem Case: Empedocles on the Divine Daimones
Overview: An examination of how Empedocles’ commitments to materialist physics intersect with his doctrines of reincarnation and the celestial afterlife.
Optional pre-reading: Kirk & Raven (1957), pp. 320–362.