Conference

Glastonbury, Somerset
3rd July to Sunday 6th July, 2008

Philosophy
and Divine Speculation

"For we also through Syrianus' assistance have with a divine head pursued these sacred paths about the theory of the Parmenides, being agitatedwith a divine fury, and wakened as from a profound sleep to this arcane mystic discipline."  Proclus, Platonic Theology, III, 18 .

The Prometheus Trust's third annual conference will take place in Glastonbury, Somerset, UK, from Thursday 3rd July to Sunday 6th July, 2008.

This conference takes the theme 'Philosophy and Divine Speculation'. Plato in his Timaeus (53d) sees the path of philosophy as leading to a knowledge of eternal principles which are "known to Divinity and to the man who is in friendship with Divinity" while Thomas Taylor begins his introduction to the Works of Plato by comparing philosophy with "a luminous pyramid, terminating in Deity and having as its basis the rational soul of man."   In these terms philosophy involves both a speculative investigation of highest origins of the universe and, more importantly, the means whereby the human may regain the vision or speculation of eternal truth as described in the Phaedrus – "There are many, therefore, and blessed spectacles and processions within the heavens, to which the genus of the blessed Gods is converted" and which we "partly see indeed, and are partly destitute of vision."

Every thing at its birth is given a primary characteristic which cannot be entirely lost - a thing born a man must lead a human life, while that which is born a dog must lead a dog's life - and so it is with philosophy, which was conceived as an art and science in which the human draws close to divinity. No matter how far the practice of philosophy has wandered from its original purpose in recent times yet still the call to its essential nature is to be heard. This conference will, we hope, explore the ancient discipline of divine philosophy, as well as attempt to see how modern developments in philosophy can be reset, so to speak, within its original purpose.

Papers are invited from lovers of wisdom - academics and non-academics - in the following areas:

Epopteia - Philosophy and the Mysteries

The final stage of the mysteries of Eleusis was known as Epopteia - interior inspection: Plato draws upon the insights and experiences of the mysteries, notably in the Phaedo, to show how they are allied to those of philosophy. Papers exploring the relationship between the various mystery centres of the ancient world and its leading philosophical systems, together with those examining what this might mean for today's philosophers, are sought for this area.

Philosophy and Contemplation

The exercise of philosophy, although often seen as a conversation with others, is primarily a movement inwards towards the simple self and the Divinity concealed within - the "alone calling to the alone." But this is a difficult matter for the teacher of philosophy to pass on to the pupil, and while the East still promulgates contemplative and meditative practices within its various philosophical systems, this is largely neglected in the West. How is this to be remedied? How are we to follow Plotinus when he writes, "But soul, perpetually turning round intellect, which it constantly beholds, and viewing its most intimate recesses, contemplates through this also, as a mirror, the supreme divinity, The Good Itself, and in this delightful employment the tranquil and blessed life of the gods consists..." Ennead I, iv, 2.

Philosophy, mythology and the divine drama

Philosophy developed and matured in a culture deeply embedded in myth and religious cultus, where both human and cosmic life was deemed to follow a pattern first unfolded by the Gods.  For many the relationship between the metaphysical reality of the Gods and the invented stories of their generation and dramas presents difficulties: but can philosophy's deepest truths be understood without approaching it as inseparable from its ancient twin?

The conference will take place over three days, with each day being directed one of the above areas.

Keynote Address

The keynote address will be given by Tim Addey on Thursday evening. Tim is one of the founding Trustees of the Prometheus Trust, and its present chairman.  He has studied world religions and philosophies throughout his adult life, as a part of a search for inner truths: over the last twenty years this search has centred on the Platonic Tradition.  He is the editor in chief of the Thomas Taylor Series, and the author of three books on the Platonic tradition – The Seven Myths of the Soul, The Unfolding Wings and Beyond the Shadows.  He has lectured in both the UK and in India, and teaches in the Trust's 'Philosophy as the Love of Wisdom' programme.

His keynote address will be entitled "Lifting from a wave of Intellect".

The  Thomas Taylor Lecture

On Saturday evening, Dr Steve Critchley will be giving the 3^rd Thomas Taylor Lecture, entitled "Thomas Taylor and the Fire of Mystical Inspiration in Prose, Poetry and Prayer."  This annual lecture is given in honour of Thomas Taylor, and this year, the 250^th anniversary of his birth, we think it fitting that it should centre on the man himself.

Steve has recently been awarded a doctorate by the University of York for his thesis on "Pagan Taylor: the Emergence of a Public Character 1785-1804."  He is at present working on a full biography of Thomas Taylor which is likely to be published later this year.  He has taught in the English department at Sheffield Hallam University.    Steve approaches Thomas Taylor with an especial emphasis on the living tradition of which he is an integral part, and seeks to understand him as much for the depths of his mystical experience as a philosopher as for his outward labours

Accomodation and Charges

The main building at the Centre is a traditional stone-build Somerset "shippon" which has been renovated in keeping with its original character and includes wooden beams.  The Centre can accommodate up to 26 people.  There are three single bedrooms and two large dormitory bedrooms (one containing five beds and the other ten) and a few twin rooms.  There are toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms but no ensuite facilities. Outside is a 43-acre organic farm and footpath walks.  The Centre is very close to Glastonbury Tor and has wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.

The accommodation at the Centre is quite basic and we are keeping our charges as low as possible to reflect this.  Being a tourist area, Glastonbury has many places offering bed and breakfast; any arrangements you make will be up to you personally – please look on the internet for information.

There will be a conference charge of £65 (£35 for students) and the accommodation at the Centre costs £10 per person per night for dormitory accommodation, £15 pppn for a bunk bed in a twin room, £18 pppn in a twin-bedded room (£27 per night for single occupancy) and £27 per night for a single room (if available). All meals and refreshments are included in the conference charge; the diet will be vegetarian and simple but of good quality.

Bookings and proposed abstracts should be sent to the Trust, if at all possible by the 30th April.  The conference charge will not normally be refundable.  If you book and cannot make the conference for unforeseen reasons, we will endeavour to refund part of it but cannot guarantee this.

.

Contact the conference secretary for further details: Averil Addey, The Prometheus Trust, Eastview Cottage, 28 Petticoat Lane, Dilton Marsh, Westbury, Wilts, BA13 4DG, UK.  Email: addey@prometheustrust.co.uk or phone (from outside the UK 0044) (from within the UK 0) 1373 825808

Participation is by invitation: if you would like to attend please contact the Trust at the above address.

Maidencroft Farm, with its view of Glastonbury   Tor.

The venue of the 2008 conference.