About this Event
Few concepts have exercised as much influence on Western thought as divine providence, shaping debates about divine agency, cosmic order, human freedom, and the problem of evil from antiquity onwards. Although providence occupies a central place in Christian theology, its development was deeply influenced by ancient philosophical traditions, particularly Platonism.
This symposium brings together scholars of ancient philosophy, patristics, medieval philosophy, and theology to explore the development of the concept of divine providence from Plato to Aquinas. Moving from ancient Greek philosophy through patristic thought to scholasticism, the papers will trace both the continuities and transformations that shaped philosophical and theological accounts of divine providence.
Programme
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Arrival and coffee
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
Welcome and introduction
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:55 AM
Plato and the ‘Invention’ of Divine Providence
Host: Cristiana Sessini (Blackfriars Hall, Oxford)
🕑: 11:55 AM - 12:40 PM
Providence, Predestination, and Free Will in Origen
Host: Joseph Murphy (Oriel College, Oxford)
🕑: 12:40 PM - 01:40 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:40 PM - 02:25 PM
Basil and Gregory on the Discovery of God in the Spiritual Life
Host: Nathan Coundon (University of Oxford)
🕑: 02:25 PM - 03:10 PM
God’s eros ekstatikos as a Manifestation of Providence in Pseudo-Dionysius
Host: Andreea-Maria Lemnaru Espuna (University of Vienna)
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:15 PM
God, Creation, and Providence: Avicenna’s Influence on Aquinas
Host: Daniel De Haan (Blackfriars and Campion Hall, Oxford)
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:35 PM
Concluding Remarks
Event venue & nearby stays
Blackfriars Hall, 64 St Giles', Oxford, United Kingdom
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