Sponsored by the International Society of Neoplatonic Studies)
Organizer: John F. Finamore (University of Iowa)
In their complex metaphysical design of the universe, Neoplatonic philosophers had to make space for everything in existence. Given the role of divine providence and care for the cosmos, gods and minor divinities were placed at every level of the system in such a way to make a home for the traditional gods of Greek religion and the philosophically divine principles of reality. Neoplatonists ingeniously filled the void between the One and human beings with these divinities.
This panel will concern the strategies and philosophical importance of the placement of these various divinities into the Neoplatonic system. Topics might include the nature of the One itself, the problems and solutions of fitting the traditional gods into the crowded hierarchy, and the role of the lower gods, daemons, angels, and heroes in this complex schema.
Abstracts of 500-800 words, double-spaced, for papers requiring 15-20 minutes of presentation time should be sent electronically to John Finamore at john-finamore@uiowa.edu. The member's name should appear only on the cover letter, not on the abstract. All abstracts must be received no later than February 15, 2016. Abstracts will be judged anonymously. The panel organizer will subsequently contact those who have written abstracts with the reviewers’ comments and recommendation.