Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. An analysis of De Pythiae oraculis

1. Introduction

1.1. The character of Diogenianus and the style of philosophy

1.2 The role of the symbol

1.3 The function of the temple

2. The concept of krâsis

3. Prodigies

4. From poetry to prose

5. Enthusiasm

5.1 Body and soul

5.2 The soul of the Pythia

5.3 The dynamic of enthusiasm

5.4 The features of the Pythia

6. The history of the oracle

7. Solar symbolism

2. An analysis of De defectu oraculorum

1. Introduction

2. The character of Didymus and the style of philosophy

3. Narratives and inquiries

4. God’s responsibility

4.1. A plurality of worlds

5. The demons and the moon

5.1 Demonology, the kinds of divination and the structure of the soul

6. The psychology of divination

7. The sun and god

8. The theory of double causation

9. The theory of double causation applied on oracular divination

9.1 The pneûma

9.2 The role of the demons in the temple

9.3 Preliminary sacrifices and the concept of ‘kairos’

9.4 Delphi as a unique place

10. The Pythia

3. An analysis of De E apud Delphos

1. Introduction

2. Importance of symbols and riddles for philosophy and rational reflection

3. Tentative solutions

3.1. Apollo. The god of popular devotion

3.2. Religion and logic

3.3. Numerology and Pythagoreanism

4. Ammonius’ explanation

4.1. Ammonius: Apollo and the sun

4.2. Ammonius’ explanation of the ‘E’

5. The final image of Apollo and Plutarch’s god

5.1. Fate-providence-freedom

6. Plutarch’s dualism

6.1. Egypt and Oriental religions

7. ‘Conclusion’ and value of the dialogue

4. Divination and the soul

1. Plutarch’s psychology: the individual soul and the world soul

1.1. The individual soul

1.2. The cosmic soul

1.3. The analogy between the individual and the cosmic soul

2. The psychology of individual divination

3. Plutarch and the Timaeus

3.1. A ‘likely account’

3.2. Some remarks on the practical dynamics of Delphic divination

4. The “matter” of divination

4.1. The multiple characters of the Pythia

5. Apollo and the oracle: from chaos to harmony

6. The importance of studying the oracle

Conclusion

Bibliography

Abbreviations

Dictionaries

References

Index Locorum

The series Plutarchea Hypomnemata, published by Leuven University Press, focuses on the voluminous oeuvre of Plutarch of Chaeronea (c. 46–120 AD), one of the most prolific and multifaceted authors of the ancient Greek world. Nearly all of his works illustrate both his intelligent interpretation and appropriation of the Greek tradition, as well as his critical interaction with contemporary society. His work exerted an immense influence on the education of the Western intelligentsia up to the nineteenth century. The second half of the twentieth century witnessed a renaissance of scholarly research on his works, with the international Plutarch society acting as a forceful catalyst. The editors of Plutarchea Hypomnemata welcome monographs that explore specific themes developed in one or more Plutarchan writings, offer a thorough interpretation of and/or commentary on a particular text, or discuss various aspects of Plutarch's authorial activity, philosophical thinking, religious ideas, political convictions, and attitude toward history, science, and the arts. They also welcome studies that situate him in broader ideological and literary contexts and/or in a contemporary political, social, and religious context. Editorial Board: Jan Opsomer (K.U.Leuven), Geert Roskam (K.U.Leuven), Frances Titchener (Utah State University, Logan), Luc Van der Stockt (K.U.Leuven)