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 I

Greek Religion: From Homer to Cult and a First Critic – Xenophanes

Saturday 6 December 2024 | 7:00pm–8:00pm (GMT)
Completed

Overview: An introduction to Greek religion, from the Homeric gods to standard cult practice, concluding with Xenophanes’ critique and reformed theology.

Optional pre-reading: The Presocratic Philosophers, Kirk & Raven (1957), pp. 163–181.

Seminar II

Nature and the Gods Harmonised: Ionian Science in Heraclitus

Saturday 13 June 2025 | 7:00pm–8:00pm (GMT) | Online Only
Completed

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 III

Supernatural Gods: Plato’s Metaphysics and Theology in the Phaedo

Saturday 19 September 2026 | 7:30pm–8:30pm (UK Time) | Online Only
Enrolment Forthcoming

Overview: Plato’s conception of Forms and souls, and his metaphysical expansion of earlier theology.

Optional pre-reading: Phaedo 95a4–102a; 107c–115a8.

Seminar IV

A Presocratic Problem Case: Empedocles on the Divine Daimones

Date to be announced
Enrolment Forthcoming

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.