How to Excel in Life? Theories of 'living well' before Aristotle

The workshop explores how ancient philosophers connect ethics to the science of living things. We aim to delve into the concept of excellence in Pre-Aristotelian philosophy and investigate the different levels on which a life can be well-lived and a being can be described as well-functioning, ethically and physiologically.

The conference is free and open to all. To register, and for any questions, please email [email protected].

Programme

THURSDAY

10.00-10.30 Welcome

10.30-12.00 Lorenzo Perilli (University of Rome Tor Vergata), "Error and Responsibility: Achilles, Prometheus, Hippocrates."

12.00-14.00 Lunch break

14.00-15.30 Karel Thein (Charles University, Prague), “Plato on Women: Biology, Politics, and the Problems with Nature.”

15.30-16.00 Coffee break

16.00-17.30 Giulia De Cesaris (University of Torino), “Habituating the Senses as a Road to Virtue.”

FRIDAY

9.30-11.00 Arianna Piazzalunga (University of Torino), “Perfectioning Mimesis. Virtue and Imitation in the De victu.”

11.00-11.30 Coffee break

11.30-13.00 Alba Curry (University of Leeds), “Harmonizing Heart and Health: Exploring Emotional Excellence in Ancient Chinese Medicine and Philosophy.”

Graduate bursaries

Due to the generous support of the British Society for the History of Philosophy, we have a limited number of small bursaries available for unfunded graduate students to defray some of the travel costs. If you wish to be considered, please send a 500-word statement to [email protected] by Friday 16 February, including a short bio, a statement of interest, and the (un)availability of further institutional support.