Wittgenstein and Ancient Philosophy

Ludwig Wittgenstein’s relation to ancient philosophy constitutes a riddle. Wittgenstein was certainly not a philosopher who would have commented at large on classical works like Aristotle’s Metaphysics, or entered disputes concerning their correct interpretation. On the other hand, it is well known that Wittgenstein had read select classical philosophical authors and was deeply impressed by them: after all, he started his Philosophical Investigations with a Latin quotation from St. Augustine’s Confessiones, and he refers or alludes several times to Plato’s dialogues (e.g. PI §46). Some manuscripts and typescripts contain further references to various ancient philosophers.

The conference Wittgenstein and Ancient Philosophy hosts scholars to discuss Wittgenstein’s relation to the heritage of ancient (Greek and Roman) philosophy in a broad fashion, including not only Wittgenstein’s references and discussions of ancient philosophers, but also more implicit parallels and contrast between Wittgenstein’s philosophy and the ancient classics.

The event is organized by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Finnish Institute at Athens, in collaboration with the Nordic Wittgenstein Society.

There is no participation fee.

Keynote speakers:

James Conant (University of Chicago)

Constantine Sandis (University of Oxford)

Thomas Wallgren (University of Helsinki)

Organizing committee:

Prof. Vasso Kindi (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)

Dr. Lassi Jakola (Finnish Institute of Athens and University of Helsinki)

Prof. Anthony Hatzimoyzis (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)

More details and the conference's program is available at: