Siracusa Summer Seminar on Ancient Greek Philosophy, July 18-29, 2022
The ability to navigate Greek texts enhances our understanding of ancient philosophy and reveals its hidden treasures. “Greek for Philosophers” provides opportunities for scholars of philosophy to cultivate their language skills and engage with the ancient texts, whether they have studied Greek before or not.
The goal of this seminar is to help graduate students and professors of philosophy develop skills reading Greek and to produce a volume containing a translation with facing Greek and essays from participants. The program combines cultural activities and Greek language study (at two levels) with academic lectures and presentations. Participants live and study on the picturesque island of Ortigia, where they can visit ancient Greek temples, swim in the sea, and experience the vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle.
Topic: Plato’s Euthyphro
The first Socratic dialogue that most people read, Euthyphro not only introduces us to Plato’s literary and philosophical methods, it opens up the fundamental topic of the relationship among ethics, religion, and society. By studying the Euthyphro with facing Greek, this seminar will highlight this “minor” dialogue’s special significance for moral philosophy.
Guest Professor: Phillip Mitsis, New York University
Faculty: Heather L. Reid, Exedra Mediterranean Center; George Gazis, University of Durham; Chiara Blanco, University of Edinburgh.
Schedule: Sessions run Monday to Friday; an optional excursion will be offered on Saturday
Morning: free with optional cultural activities (archaeological visits, cooking classes, etc.)
3-5 PM: Beginning or advanced language study and translation of Plato’s Euthyphro in Greek
5-6 PM: Break/Study time
6-7 PM: Guest lectures and participant presentations, followed by general discussion
Skill Levels: participants will be separated by skill level for the 3-5 PM sessions, then come together for the presentations and discussion to follow.
·Level 1: one year of Classical Greek or our online course in beginner’s Greek.
·Level 2: two years of Classical Greek
Participation Options
·Standard Participation (lessons and workshop only)
·Contributing Participation (includes paper presentation and possible publication)
·Online auditing is not currently planned but may be offered if conditions warrant
Fees & Housing
The program fee is €499 for one week; €980 for both weeks.
Housing is not included; a variety of lodging options are available on the island of Ortigia.
Sponsorships covering all or part of the fee and/or housing will be available on a competitive basis
Dates and Deadlines
March 15, 2022 Early application deadline (necessary if applying for sponsorship/bursary)
May 15, 2022 Final application deadline (necessary if submitting an abstract for presentation)
Applications for Standard Participation will be accepted as long as space permits.
Pay your deposit by March 15 and you can follow a spring term online class free!
Information and Registration Links
·Siracusa Summer Seminar Webpage
·Registration and Abstract Submission Form
·Application for Financial Aid (Sponsorship/Bursary)
·Pledge to sponsor a student in need (sponsor registry)
*Sponsorship: Individuals and organizations are invited to sponsor a qualified participant with financial need by paying their fees. The sponsorship may be anonymous or named, and the sponsor may choose the recipient if they wish. For more details, see the sponsor registry.