AcknowledgementsIntroduction1. An analysis of De Pythiae oraculis1. Introduction1.1. The character of Diogenianus and the style of philosophy1.2 The role of the symbol1.3 The function of the temple2. The concept of krâsis3. Prodigies4. From poetry to prose 5. Enthusiasm5.1 Body and soul5.2 The soul of the Pythia5.3 The dynamic of enthusiasm5.4 The features of the Pythia6. The history of the oracle7. Solar symbolism 2. An analysis of De defectu oraculorum1. Introduction2. The character of Didymus and the style of philosophy3. Narratives and inquiries4. God’s responsibility4.1. A plurality of worlds5. The demons and the moon5.1 Demonology, the kinds of divination and the structure of the soul6. The psychology of divination7. The sun and god8. The theory of double causation9. The theory of double causation applied on oracular divination9.1 The pneûma9.2 The role of the demons in the temple9.3 Preliminary sacrifices and the concept of ‘kairos’9.4 Delphi as a unique place10. The Pythia 3. An analysis of De E apud Delphos1. Introduction2. Importance of symbols and riddles for philosophy and rational reflection3. Tentative solutions3.1. Apollo. The god of popular devotion3.2. Religion and logic3.3. Numerology and Pythagoreanism4. Ammonius’ explanation4.1. Ammonius: Apollo and the sun4.2. Ammonius’ explanation of the ‘E’5. The final image of Apollo and Plutarch’s god5.1. Fate-providence-freedom6. Plutarch’s dualism6.1. Egypt and Oriental religions7. ‘Conclusion’ and value of the dialogue4. Divination and the soul1. Plutarch’s psychology: the individual soul and the world soul1.1. The individual soul1.2. The cosmic soul1.3. The analogy between the individual and the cosmic soul2. The psychology of individual divination3. Plutarch and the Timaeus3.1. A ‘likely account’3.2. Some remarks on the practical dynamics of Delphic divination4. The “matter” of divination4.1. The multiple characters of the Pythia5. Apollo and the oracle: from chaos to harmony6. The importance of studying the oracleConclusionBibliographyAbbreviationsDictionariesReferencesIndex LocorumAn in-depth analysis of oracular divination in Plutarch’s thoughtAn in-depth analysis of oracular divination in Plutarch's thought.Oracular divination was of special concern for Plutarch of Chaeronea (45-120 AD), Platonic philosopher as well as priest at the oracle of Apollo in Delphi. The peculiar nature of Delphic divination as an (im)perfect intermediary between the material and the immaterial world is fathomed in a thorough study of Plutarch's Delphic dialogues. This in-depth philosophical-conceptual analysis will disclose an original interpretation of oracular divination in Plutarch as interconnected with his psychological and cosmological conceptions. A Perfect Medium? reveals the Delphic temple as a crucial element in Plutarch's philosophy, as a microcosm reflecting the cosmic dynamics, and as a symbol embodying the relationship between human thirst for knowledge and divine absolute wisdom.Oracular divination was of special concern for Plutarch of Chaeronea (45–120 AD), Platonic philosopher as well as priest at the oracle of Apollo in Delphi. The peculiar nature of Delphic divination as an (im)perfect intermediary between the material and the immaterial world is fathomed in a thorough study of Plutarch’s Delphic dialogues. This in-depth philosophical-conceptual analysis will disclose an original interpretation of oracular divination in Plutarch as interconnected with his psychological and cosmological conceptions. A Perfect Medium? reveals the Delphic temple as a crucial element in Plutarch’s philosophy, as a microcosm reflecting the cosmic dynamics, and as a symbol embodying the relationship between human thirst for knowledge and divine absolute wisdom.