The biggest problem that philosophy faces today is to be understood by those who wish to approach it, but cannot use its conceptual tools, so they have difficulty in understanding the theories proposed by the philosophers. And if this is the case in modern philosophy, where we are more or less familiar with the meanings it manages and analyses, when we attempt to approach ancient Greek philosophy, the task seems much more difficult, since it developed in a cultural environment completely alien to us. This, furthermore, means that we may have difficulty in recognizing and accepting its significance for modern humans.
The challenge of combining a comprehensible presentation of ancient Greek philosophy, in order to show its importance for the modern way of life, was undertaken and successfully accomplished by the program “Greek Philosophy: the art of living” of the Supplementary Distance Education Programme (E-Learning) of the Center of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
This was achieved not only by a popularized presentation of the most important philosophers from Thales the Milesian to Aristotle, but also by bringing the past to the present, adjusting the teachings of the ancient philosophers to the problems one may face today, in order to offer a new perspective and, therefore, a different way of coping with them. Furthermore, the main characteristic of the program is that it does not seek to promote a particular way of looking at contemporary life, but to encourage the student to reflect and formulate his or her own proposals on the issues that concern him or her.
The programme provides us the intellectual equipment for dealing successfully with multiple situations in our everyday life. Its teachings apply even today, and they are widely used. For example, the philosophies of Aristotle and Plato are analyzed in Business Ethics, in order to teach managers how to run their organizations better.
Paradoxical as it may sound, ancient Greek philosophy can offer new perspectives on contemporary problems. And that is its value.
Written by:Katsimitsis Michalis | E-Learning University of Athens (elearninguoa.org)
As an avid enthusiast and seasoned expert in philosophy, particularly ancient Greek philosophy, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a profound understanding of the conceptual tools that underpin this profound discipline. My extensive engagement with philosophical texts, both classical and modern, has equipped me with the ability to navigate the intricate web of ideas, theories, and historical contexts that characterize philosophical discourse.
The article in question delves into the challenges faced by philosophy today, especially in terms of accessibility and comprehension for those seeking to engage with its concepts. Drawing on my expertise, I can attest to the validity of the article's assertion that modern individuals often struggle to grasp the conceptual intricacies of philosophy, with an even greater hurdle when approaching the ancient Greek philosophical tradition.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Challenge of Understanding Philosophy: The article identifies a significant contemporary challenge in philosophy – the difficulty people face in understanding its conceptual tools and theories. This resonates with the broader issue of philosophy often being perceived as esoteric or inaccessible to the general public.
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Cultural Alienation in Ancient Greek Philosophy: The article highlights the additional challenge posed by ancient Greek philosophy, emphasizing the cultural alienation that modern readers experience when attempting to engage with philosophical ideas that developed in a vastly different cultural context. This underscores the need for a bridge between the ancient and modern worlds.
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Program: "Greek Philosophy: The Art of Living": The article introduces a program initiated by the Supplementary Distance Education Programme of the University of Athens, aimed at making ancient Greek philosophy more comprehensible and relevant to contemporary life. This initiative signifies an effort to bridge the gap and make philosophical teachings accessible to a broader audience.
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Approach to Ancient Greek Philosophy: The program's success is attributed to its approach of not only presenting key philosophers but also contextualizing their teachings in the modern world. This involves adapting ancient wisdom to address present-day challenges, offering a unique perspective and alternative ways of coping with contemporary issues.
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Encouraging Independent Thought: The program distinguishes itself by not advocating a particular viewpoint on modern life but encouraging students to reflect and formulate their own proposals. This emphasis on fostering independent thought aligns with the essence of philosophical inquiry.
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Relevance of Ancient Philosophies: The article asserts that the program equips individuals with intellectual tools applicable to various situations in everyday life. Notably, it mentions the practical application of Aristotelian and Platonic philosophies in the realm of Business Ethics, showcasing the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in addressing modern challenges.
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Value of Ancient Greek Philosophy: The article concludes by highlighting the paradoxical yet profound value of ancient Greek philosophy – its ability to offer fresh perspectives on contemporary problems. This underscores the enduring and transformative nature of philosophical ideas across time.
In summary, the article sheds light on the challenges of comprehending philosophy in the modern era, particularly the complexities of engaging with ancient Greek philosophical traditions. It also underscores the value of initiatives that bridge the temporal and cultural gaps, making philosophical wisdom accessible and relevant to contemporary life.
