A talk on the life and times of Greek Neoplatonist philosopher Hypatia will be presented as part of this year’s Festival Hellenika.
The talk, given by Beatrice Howarth in English, will uncover the truth behind this symbol of rationalism and feminism. Hypatia was an Alexandrian mathematician and astronomer, who was murdered by Christians in 415 AD.
Hypatia belonged to the mathematic tradition of the Academy of Athens, as represented by Eudoxus of Cnidus; she was of the intellectual school of the 3rd century thinker Plotinus, which encouraged logic and mathematical study in place of empirical enquiry and strongly encouraged law over nature.
It is believed she was murdered by a Christian mob after being accused of exacerbating a conflict between two prominent figures in Alexandria: the governor Orestes and the Bishop of Alexandria.
Her murder is said to have marked the end of Classical antiquity, and “effectively marked the downfall of Alexandrian intellectual life.”
Hypatia’s World will take place at Thebarton Community Centre, 60-78 South Road, Torrensville, Adelaide on Wednesday 3 April. Admission is free.