Siracusa Summer Seminar in Ancient Greek for Philosophers

About

Our Summer Seminars mix the best aspects of a philosophy conference and a classical language school. The program combines cultural activities and ancient Greek language study with academic presentations and discussion of Platonic texts. Participants study on the picturesque island of Ortigia, where they can visit ancient Greek temples, cycle in the sunshine or swim in the sea, and experience the Mediterranean lifestyle.
The focus of 2025 will be Plato’s Theaetetus. Set in a palestra, Plato's "Theaetetus" depicts Socrates wrestling intellectually with young and old mathematicians over the nature of "episteme" (knowledge). It is a foundational work of epistemology that also illustrates Socratic method and touches on theories of earlier philosophers such as Heraclitus, Parmenides, and Protagoras.
Guest lecturers are invited and participants are encouraged to give short papers on the Theaetetus.
The Intermediate/Advanced course takes the form of a reading group where excerpts of the original Plato will be read in Greek, translated and commented on.
An Elementary Greek course will also be held for Greek learners who have already done a Beginners course (about 20 hours of classes recommended) and who have basic notions of the Greek language (article, declensions, pronouns, verbs etc.). Learners will read simple original Greek texts, and work on the grammar and syntax using “Reading Greek Beginners Course” and "Learning Greek with Plato".
A Beginners Greek course will be arranged for total beginners or anyone who needs to go back to basics. The text for this introduction to Ancient Greek will be “Learning Greek with Plato”. Those interested in Beginners Greek who wish to attend for one week only should register for the first week as the course will be designed to run over both weeks consecutively.
The groups will come together each day for presentations, lectures, workshops and discussion of Plato's philosophy as encountered in the text

Course leader

Heather L. Reid (Exedra); George Gazis (Durham), Chiara Blanco (Newcastle); Jurgen Gatt (Malta).

Target group

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.
Participants are typically of all ages and Greek abilities, united by a passion for Plato

Course aim

The aim is to give students and scholars interested in Plato a welcoming and informal setting in which they can come into contact with his texts in the original Greek and discuss the content in a relaxed and friendly environment. Afternoon study is complemented by morning visits to the local archaeological and historic sites, cooking classes and an optional day-trip to Etna or to Agrigento

Fee info

The fees include tuition, refreshments, included guided visits, welcome and farewell meals, one cooking class per week. Accommodation is not included but Exedra will assist with student housing advice