Syracuse Practical Philosophy Seminar: Plato, Cicero, and political philosophy
Details
Syracuse was the most powerful polis in Magna Grecia, a rival to Athens and then Rome. Two major philosophers visited at very different times in the history of the city: Plato and Cicero.
Both were interested in political philosophy. Plato wrote the Republic and went to Syracuse to see if he could put his ideas into practice with the aid of two local rulers, Dionysius I and II. Cicero wrote De Republica in direct response to Plato, and was in Syracuse during his tenure as Quaestor of Sicily.
Massimo will facilitate a seminar focusing on Plato's and Cicero's very different approaches to practical political philosophy, raising questions about how we, in the 21st century, should manage our own "public thing," as the Latins called the State.
Suggested readings:
Plato at Syracuse, edited by H.L. Reid and M.A. Ralkowski.
How to Run a Country: An Ancient Guide for Modern Leaders, by Cicero
Location: Domus Mariae Benessere, Via Vittorio Veneto 89, Syracuse, Italy.
Accommodations: I suggest, if possible, to book at the Domus Mariae Benessere (where the workshop will take place) or at the Domus Mariae Hotel (Via Vittorio Veneto 76, across the street, seaside views). However, there are plenty of other hotels in the Ortigia area of Syracuse, for instance this one, very close to the venue. You can also book an Airbnb in the same area.
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Program
(tentative, subject to change, please check back)
Wednesday, June 5
9am-12pm: What is political philosophy, anyway? Platonists, Stoics, and others
12pm-3pm: lunch break, eateries nearby
3pm-6pm: Plato at Syracuse, the 7th Letter
7pm-8pm: aperitivo and philosophy chat
Thursday, June 6
9am-12pm: Statesman vs De Officiis
12pm-3pm: lunch break, eateries nearby
3pm-6pm: The Republic vs De Re Publica
8pm-10pm: group dinner (facultative)
Friday, June 7
9am-12pm: Laws vs De Legibus
12pm-3pm: lunch break, eateries nearby
3pm-6pm: Cicero's De Finibus
7pm-8pm: aperitivo and philosophy chat
Saturday, June 8
Morning: excursion to the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (facultative). You may get a combo ticket that includes the Museo Archeologico Paolo Orsi.
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Logistics
I suggest you check Rick Steves' guide to Sicily to plan your travels.
In June the Ancient Greek theater hosts performances of Greek tragedies (in Italian). If you are interested in attending one, check this site.
To get to Syracuse: fly into Catania (Fontanarossa) and take the bus for Syracuse from the airport (every hour, about one hour drive).
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About the facilitator:
Massimo Pigliucci is an author, blogger, podcaster, as well as the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His most recent book is The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders (Basic Books). More here.
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Fee: $200/person.
Refund (minus processing fee) if: (i) the workshop is canceled; or (ii) if you cancel by midnight (ET) on 4 January 2024.