Philosophical Walks In Ancient Athens

Athens is often called the cradle of philosophy and democracy. Even though historically both philosophy and democracy first emerged as concepts in the Greek cities of ancient Asia Minor it was in Athens where they flourished for over two centuries, where democratic institutions became philosophy in practice.

Here philosophy was exercised and taught in the free public space amongst equal citizens. Both philosophy and democracy openly questioned traditional norms and ideals in theory and in practice; through oration and dialogue, the urban landscape forged the Athenian way of life. Philosophy was initially taught and practiced in the ancient Agora but also, eventually, Schools were founded in the outskirts of the city.

Nowadays, the traces of that ancient city are still visible in modern Athens, and invite our imagination to a venture through history and theory that combines a visit at the physical spaces where the greatest philosophers taught with a seminar about the theoretical concepts they invented.