Workshop in Ancient Philosophy (Thursday - Week 6, MT21)

The Stoics call many things "God" or "a god". However, there seem to be three main deities in Stoic physics. First, the all-pervasive, active principle is called "god" or "Zeus". Second, the world itself, which the active principle creates, is called "god". Finally, the heavenly, uppermost region of the world order is "god", as well. These seem to be three bodies that have different functions in Stoic natural philosophy. Do the Stoics have independent reasons for describing each of these things as a god? Perhaps. However, I will suggest that comparing the world and its structure to a human being might yield a different explanation of each body's divinity.

The Seminar will take place via Microsoft Teams. By clicking this link you will be redirected to a page in which you will be prompted to sign in with your Oxford SSO.