ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the nature of exchange between Porphyry and Iamblichus in two works and the implications of this exchange for their views of divination and theurgy. It focuses on important similarities with the role of discourse in oracular divination. David Runia's exposition of Philo's literary style and methodology in relation to the issue bears some significant similarities to prominent features of Porphyry's methodology and literary style, while his overall argument is relevant to the view presented here of Porphyry's Letter and Iamblichus De Mysteriis as a dialogue. Indeed Iamblichus seems to have been the first Neoplatonic philosopher to establish definite order and number of Platonic dialogues to be studied within his philosophical school. The educational and initiatory function of certain dialogues within the philosophical Hermetica has been emphasised by Garth Fowden: different dialogues are aimed at different levels of initiate; from certain initiatory texts within the Hermetica we can construct a picture of various stages of Hermetic paideia.
