Siracusa Winter Seminar on Ancient Greek Philosophy
January 2 – 6 2024
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.This year, we are also offering a Winter session in Siracusa from 2nd – 6th January focussing on Plato’s Republic Book 1, with Dr. George Gazis, Dr. Chiara Blanco, and Prof. Heather Reid.The opening book of Plato’s most famous work is such a masterpiece that it could stand on its own as an early Socratic dialogue. Participants will read and translate the Greek in a roundtable setting while discussing its philosophical content; they may also present papers or posters on relevant topics.
Competence in reading Ancient Greek is recommended but not required.
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. Participants can soak up the atmophere of the beautiful island of Ortigia and alternate study with cultural activities in and around the city.
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 Newcastle, UK. 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.
Contact info@exedramc.com for more details.