Philosophy
- Modern Mencken
Tomorrow is Mencken day at the Enoch Pratt Library, honoring one of the great intellects of Baltimore. Who would be the modern day version of H.L. Mencken? Is there a writer who is smart, ascerbic, conservative, and wry? P.J. O'Rourke? ...
- The Nature Of Genius
What does it mean for one to be a genius? Is genius just the upper end of the really smart continuum? Is there a difference between genius and really, really, really, smart? Is it a difference of kind or degree? Is genius a matter of...
- Can You Really Own A Position?
I've been thinking about the use of the verb to own with respect to an intellectual view. When a student is being wishy-washy about a proposition he or she is arguing for and clearly believes, I'll tell the student to "own the position." ...
- Are Friends Necessary?
Having friends is a wonderful thing. No one would deny that. But is having friends necessary for a well-lived human life? Could you have a full and satisfying life without friends. The question does not ask whether one could be a happy...
- Historians, Archaeologists, And Scientists
Are historians scientists? They frame hypotheses about the causes and effects of real events and use empirical evidence to support their accounts. But they don't do not look for regularities to make into laws; to the contrary, they account...
Philosophy
Philosophy Talks in Athens 2015
A weekly program of two introductory talks is being given in central Athens this spring 2015 during all of May and June. (Hopefully, a similar program of talks will be arranged for the Autumn 2015 This will be confirmed later in the year.) Further details on dates etc from [email protected]
Below are brief details of the talks taken from the publicity poster:
Greek Philosophy Talks
Spring - 2015
Central Athens, Greece
ARE YOU HAPPY ? Everyone wants to be happy and live the best life they can. The main questions of ?real? Greek philosophy include: Where am I ? Where am I Going - How Can I Live The Happiest Kind of Life; as well as deeper questions like: What is the Truth of our Reality? Do you wonder who Socrates was and what he talked about? Are you curious to find out? If so; come to the Athenstyle philosophy talks.
Do you ever wonder who Socrates was and what he talked about? Are you curious to find out? If so; then come to one of the talks in Athens this spring or autumn 2015
Monday evenings - "Socrates, Plato and Know Thyself" - James explains the basics of what Socrates, Plato and Greek Philosophy was all about - and why new students at Plato's Academy usually began by studying Plato?s book ?The First Alcibiades? and the essential Greek philosophical concept of ?Know Thyself?. The talk lasts about 40 minutes with questions afterwards. 7.00 pm. (Maybe bring a jacket as it can get chilly in the evenings.)
Tuesday Mornings - "Aristotle and Practical Philosophy" James gives a Philosophical Walkdiscussing Aristotle?s practical? philosophy, and how to improve our personal happiness and the cities we live in. (Also discussing the environment, sustainability, and the goals of education.) We walk slowly for half an hour or so to a beautiful and inspiring location overlooking Athens for the talk, passing the Prison of Socrates on the way. (Two hours round trip.) Leaves promptly at 10.00 am
?Coffee with Philosophy? talks available by arrangement for people or groups of friends who would like to know a little bit more about this subject -including talks on: ?The Nuts and Bolts of Plato?; Plato?s Books ?Phaedrus? & ?Phaedo?, The Delphi Message ? ?Know Thyself and Nothing to Excess?; or visit the ancient site of Plato?s Academy for a talk. To arrange one of these talks email:
All talks are offered free of charge in keeping with the Socratic tradition.
(Voluntary contributions afterwards appreciated)
Talks Are Part of the Athens Art and Culture Association's Initiatives for Young Travellers.
?The unexamined life is not worth living.?
?I know I know nothing? (Socrates)
- Modern Mencken
Tomorrow is Mencken day at the Enoch Pratt Library, honoring one of the great intellects of Baltimore. Who would be the modern day version of H.L. Mencken? Is there a writer who is smart, ascerbic, conservative, and wry? P.J. O'Rourke? ...
- The Nature Of Genius
What does it mean for one to be a genius? Is genius just the upper end of the really smart continuum? Is there a difference between genius and really, really, really, smart? Is it a difference of kind or degree? Is genius a matter of...
- Can You Really Own A Position?
I've been thinking about the use of the verb to own with respect to an intellectual view. When a student is being wishy-washy about a proposition he or she is arguing for and clearly believes, I'll tell the student to "own the position." ...
- Are Friends Necessary?
Having friends is a wonderful thing. No one would deny that. But is having friends necessary for a well-lived human life? Could you have a full and satisfying life without friends. The question does not ask whether one could be a happy...
- Historians, Archaeologists, And Scientists
Are historians scientists? They frame hypotheses about the causes and effects of real events and use empirical evidence to support their accounts. But they don't do not look for regularities to make into laws; to the contrary, they account...