Siracusa Seminar on Ancient Greek Philosophy
July 24 – August 4, 2023
The ability to navigate Greek texts enhances our understanding of ancient philosophy and reveals its hidden treasures. Exedra’s “Greek for Philosophers” courses, organised with the Fonte Aretusa association, provide opportunities for scholars of philosophy to cultivate their language skills and engage with the ancient texts, whether they have studied Greek before or not. Courses are held online during the academic year and culminate in a summer school in Siracusa.
The 2023 Siracusa Seminar on Ancient Greek Philosophy with Dr. George Gazis, Dr. Chiara Blanco, Prof. Heather Reid and Dr Jurgen Gatt, will be held from 24th July to 4th August and Plato’s Symposium will be the focus. The Symposium is a poetic and dramatic masterpiece that explores the topic of love (Eros) from a variety of perspectives, through speeches presented at a drinking party. Sexual love, educational love, homoeroticism, and the love for wisdom, ideas, and beauty are all discussed in creative and insightful ways, punctuated by Alcibiades’ poignant encomium of Socrates. Intermediate/advanced students will study and discuss the Greek text. There will be also be classes focussing on basic Greek grammar for post-beginners and elementary level participants who need to consolidate their understanding of the workings of the Greek language.
Siracusa, with its great Greek heritage, is the perfect place to study the works of Plato and Ancient Greek – and to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle between classes. The courses will be held in-person in Siracusa so participants can soak up the atmophere of the beautiful island of Ortigia and alternate study with cultural activities in and around the city. It may also be possible to participate online in some sessions.
Dr George Gazis is Assistant Professor in Greek Literature at the Department of Classics and Ancient History at Durham University. His research interests lie in Archaic Greek Poetry (mainly Homer), as well as Greek Lyric and Tragedy.
Dr Chiara Blanco is a Fellow at University of Edinburgh. Her main research interests lie in the intersections between ancient literature (Greek tragedy in particular) and medicine, and she is also interested in the role of the senses and emotions in Greek and Roman culture.
Prof. Heather Reid is emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa USA and Scholar in Residence at Exedra Mediterranean Center in Siracusa, Sicily. As founder of Fonte Aretusa, she promotes conferences and research on Western Greece and has published on ancient philosophy, philosophy of sport, and Olympic Studies.
Course details to be announced.
Contact info@exedramc.com for more details.