Platonism and Christian Thought in Late Antiquity, University of Oslo, December 2–3, 2016

The aim of this Workshop is to bring together in Oslo scholars at an early career stage (PhD Candidates, postdocs or similar) for presenting papers on the encounter between Platonism and Christian thought in Late Antiquity.

The influence of Platonism on Early Christian thought is acknowledged to have been profound. Numerous studies have brought new knowledge both about Platonic ontology and ethics as well as on Christian metaphysics and anthropology, demonstrating how a number of Early Christian writers engaged with Platonism in their endeavours to deepen and systematize the Christian doctrine and faith.

Over the past three decades, the Department of Philosophy at the University of Oslo has become a pioneer in the research on the History of Philosophy. The study of Neoplatonism and Christian thought has been a distinct interest of some of the researchers in ancient philosophy.

With this Call for Papers we invite abstracts for papers from PhD students, postdocs and early career researchers, on any topic focusing on Platonism and Christianity in Late Antiquity. We encourage interdisciplinary approaches; we welcome proposals within philosophy, patristics and the history of Late Antiquity. Although proposals on any aspect of this research field are welcome, preference may be given to papers on the following topics:

• Porphyry of Tyre and Christianity
• The question on Evil in Late Antiquity
• Augustine and Christian Platonism in imperial Milan
• Apophaticism in Greek thought

The Workshop will cover the accommodation costs in Oslo (2 nights hotel stay on the nights of December 2nd and 3rd, meals and coffee during the event, and a farewell dinner). The Workshop will also provide some financial support for travel expenses to those participants who do not dispose sufficient travel funds.