Siracusa Winter Workshop on Plato’s Republic Book 4

We are delighted to announce the details for the fourth Winter Workshop on Plato's Republic, to be held in Siracusa, Sicily from 3rd - 8th January 2027. We have added an extra day to this year's workshop to give participants more time to delve into the text and to enjoy Ortigia in its quiet, invernal version. The workshop combines reading and translation with academic presentations and discussion of Platonic texts, but also cultural activities in scenic Siracusa, where the winter weather is mild and the island is active but peaceful.

For 2027, we focus on Republic Book IV, in which Socrates defines the virtues and makes a parallel between the Kallipolis and the tripartite human soul.Participants will read and translate the text in a roundtable setting while discussing its philosophical content; they may also present papers on relevant topics.Competence in reading Ancient Greek is recommended but not required; the instructor will translate and explain as needed. 

Instructors are Heather L. Reid, Exedra Mediterranean Center; George Gazis, University of Durham
The workshop will run with a minimum of 8 participants.  Places are limited and will be filled on a "first paid, first served" basis.

Several tuition bursaries are available for the Winter Workshop and will be awarded by 5th November. Register here by October 30, 2026 to be considered for financial aid and/or early abstract acceptance. Some subsidised accommodation may also be available. 

Submitting an abstract for presentation is not required, unless you are applying for financial aid.

Registration form :https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YW5kiYx57afPdr7f5NEpvvoqDcXhM5Oty5Az9i5j92I/viewform

Deadlines and costs

Register by October 30, 2026 to be considered for financial aid and apresentation. The awards and acceptances will be announced by November 5th, 2026.

December 15, 2026 is the final deadline to register and submit abstracts for presentations which will be accepted if there is still space in the program.

Workshop Fees 2027:

• 599 euros Early Bird rate before  November 15th 2026 - 
• 649 euros Regular rate after 15th November 2026.
• 559 euros before 15th November. then Early Bird rate after - for Returning Participants

The fees include tuition, welcome aperitivo and farewell dinner, refreshments, morning activities (visits to archaeological park and museum, cooking class, Ortigia tour).

Registration form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YW5kiYx57afPdr7f5NEpvvoqDcXhM5Oty5Az9i5j92I/viewform

After you submit this registration form, you will be sent a pro-forma PayPal invoice for the course fees at the email you have registered, and instructions on how to pay. Registration here is not binding - your place will be considered confirmed on receipt of payment.

Accommodation Accommodation is not included in the course cost, but Exedra will suggest some convenient and economic options for participants.

Please contact [email protected] for more details.

We hope to see you in Siracusa in January