Arianna Piazzalunga

After obtaining my MA in Classics from the University of Pisa and the Scuola Normale Superiore, I completed my PhD at the Universities of Turin and Geneva, focusing on Stoic influences on Plutarch's cosmology. I have worked as a Lecturer and Post-doc at the Universities of Turin and Leuven. I am currently working on my Post-doctoral project on Peripatetic legacies in early Stoic physics. My primary interests include Hellenistic debates on causality, ontology, and physics.

Abstract: This project investigates the influence of Theophrastus fr. 230 FHS&G on the Stoic doctrine of the two principles. While the Stoic doctrine of the active principle as a making or efficient cause is usually studied in the backdrop of Plato’s Timaeus, this project seeks to assess the importance of Theophrastus’ testimony: whereas Aristotle criticizes Plato for neglecting the efficient cause, Theophrastus distances himself from this view by claiming that Plato postulated two principles, namely a making cause (poioun) and matter. More generally, this project aims to assess the role of Theophrastus in shaping Stoic physics, as far as causality and the principles are concerned. 

Keywords: Efficient cause; Stoicism; Theophrastus; Principles