In many pre-modern societies, there was a widespread belief that events could be predicted by observing the movements of the stars. Astrology was used in a variety of ways: to draw up birth charts, to choose the best time for travel, to forecast the weather and even to bolster the authority of rulers.
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High Gravity Talk by Peter Adamson
Leading figures, from the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar to the Abbasid caliphs, used astrology to bolster their claim to power. Although some philosophers were sceptical, many others accepted that astrology appeared to work and sought to explain why.
This lecture will examine how ancient Greek and medieval Arab thinkers defended astrology and gave it meaning. In doing so, they generally followed one of two approaches. Some argued that the stars directly influenced events on Earth, whilst others regarded them as signs pointing to events without actually causing them – almost like a kind of ‘celestial script’. In both cases, these ideas were linked to broader theories about how the universe works.
Drawing on thinkers such as Alexander of Aphrodisias, Plotinus, al-Kindī and Abū Maʿshar, we will see how astrology became part of mainstream philosophy and science in antiquity and the Middle Ages. We will also meet some of the philosophers who were not convinced and questioned whether astrology deserved such a prominent place.
We recommend registering early to secure your place; details on how to register can be found on the event page at
The event will take place on 12 November 2026 at 4.00 pm at Innospace, Betahaus, Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 23, 10969 Berlin.
(Language: English)
Additional information
Dates
November 2026
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