[Nov 17] Tulane Classics Lecture ~ Petrucci

The Department of Classical Studies at Tulane University presents “Timaean Craftsmanship: Timaeus' Mathematical World and Its Design” by Federico Petrucci (University of Turin).

Date ~ Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Time ~ 6:00pm

Location ~ Jones Hall 204

Plato's Timaeus describes the world as a thoroughly mathematical construction, and in this respect it has rightly been regarded as one of the origins of our own view that mathematics grants us privileged access to the structure of reality. But why should the world be made this way? And what does this mathematical picture have to do with the claim, central to the dialogue, that the world is the product of a divine craftsman? This lecture answers both questions by showing that, for Plato, the very possibility of conceiving of the world as mathematically structured depends on the activity of a divine craftsman, and then considers why this matters for us today.

This in-person, non-ticketed lecture is free and open to the general public.  There will be no zoom component.  Tulane University is committed to providing universal access to all our events on site. Please contact Elizabeth M Reyna at 504-865-5719 / ereyna@tulane.edu at least two weeks in advance of the event if you have accessibility needs and need a disability-related accommodation to participate on campus.  Please note that advance notice is necessary to arrange some accessibility needs.