U srcu drevne Atine ležao je njen centralni trg i pijaca, agora, na kojoj je Sokrat praktično i živeo At the heart of ancient Athens stood its central square and marketplace, the Agora, where Socrates was practically resident
Can we now trace the foot- steps of Greek philosophers across the ancient landscape of central Athens? Where exa- ctly were the philosophical sc- hools and daily haunts? Evi- dence for the movements of philosophers and their favouri- te haunts in Athens comes to us through a combination of historical sources and archaeo- logical evidence. The actual lo- cations of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum are today archaeological sites or parks, while Socrates’ “school” ope- rated in the shade of trees, on the ancient city’s streets, or wi- thin private houses. We can to- day visit specific sites that we - re frequented by Socrates and other famous philosophers, not only in the Athenian Agora, but elsewhere across the ancient city, where a healthy imaginati- on allows us to hear those deli- ghtful conversations. Athens, the cradle of Western civilisation, is not only the birt- hplace of philosophy, but also its perpetual centre, the home of Plato’s Academy, Epicure’s
Garden, Zeno’s Stoa and Aristo- tle’s Lyceum. When it comes to philosophical thinking, everyt- hing started here, in the sha- dow of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, in the picturesque alleyways and olive gardens of Athens. The glory of ancient At- hens is reflected across the ci- ty; literally every corner has hosted celebrated philosophi- cal debates and represents a venue where great philosop- hers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle presented the ideas that were destined to domina- te the subsequent history of mankind. From Thales, who is often con- sidered the first Western phi - losopher, to the Stoics and Sceptics, ancient Greek phi- losophy opened the door to a particular way of thinking that provided the roots for the Western intellectual traditi- on. Democritus posited that atoms were the basic stuff of all matter, Socrates gave us a sustained inquiry into ethical matters—an orientation towar- ds human living with Plato,
who was one of the most cre- ative and flexible philosophers, addressing topics that are still of interest in today’s ethics, po- litical thought and metaphysi- cs. Plato’s student, Aristotle, was one of the most prolific of ancient authors. He wrote tre- atises on each of these topics, as well as on investigations in- to the natural world... Socrates’s Agora At the heart of ancient Athens stands its central square and marketplace, the Agora, whi- ch was likely visited at one ti- me or another by almost every ancient Athenian, not to men- tion the city’s most prominent citizens. The main activities in the Agora were talking, mee- ting friends and associates, and catching up on the latest news. Socrates was a frequent visitor to Athens’ central squa- re and surrounding neighbour- hoods. He strolled its bustling lanes, attended court procee- dings and Council meetings when required, or encountered devoted followers. Socrates re-
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