The Philosophy of Mathematics (Athens & Samos, 2024)

OVERVIEW

In this course, we’ll explore the enduring relationship between philosophy and mathematics. Beginning with the earliest Greek philosophers and mathematicians, we’ll trace the legacy of their achievements into the modern era. This will enable us to assess the impact of their ideas and appreciate some of the advancements that have been made by subsequent thinkers. Our highly-curated and thought-provoking trip will take us to both Athens and Samos, where many of these ideas originated and were developed. Come explore what the past can tell us—not only about the present, but also about our future.

May 19th, 2024 - June 2nd, 2024



Athens - Samos

OVERVIEW

In this course, we’ll explore the enduring relationship between philosophy and mathematics. Beginning with the earliest Greek philosophers and mathematicians, we’ll trace the legacy of their achievements into the modern era. This will enable us to assess the impact of their ideas and appreciate some of the advancements that have been made by subsequent thinkers. Our highly-curated and thought-provoking trip will take us to both Athens and Samos, where many of these ideas originated and were developed. Come explore what the past can tell us—not only about the present, but also about our future.

May 19th, 2024 - June 2nd, 2024



Athens - Samos

Samos island

The Pythagoreans’ demonstration of the incommensurability of the diagonal of a square with its side marks a watershed moment in intellectual history. For the first time, human reason was elevated into a position of having access to knowledge that could not possibly be derived from sense experience. From this moment, the celebration of the power of reason became a primary force impelling the development of philosophy and the sciences. This course will trace these developments through the history of philosophy, mathematics and the sciences in the ancient world, and the subsequent impact of these ideas via a direct line between thinkers such as Pythagoras, Zeno, Eudoxus, Plato, Aristotle, and Archimedes, through to Cantor, Dedekind, Borel, Hilbert, and Gödel.

LOCATIONS: Athens and Samos island

DATES: May 19th, 2024 – June 2nd, 2024 (arrival day: May 19th)

Athens – view of the Acropolis

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Indulge in the philosophy of mathematics in ancient Greece through truly original workshops and on-site seminars that will enable you to discover the extraordinary ideas of Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle and more.
  • Explore the ancient side of Athens, as well as a vital, robust city-state in Classical, Hellenistic and Roman times
  • Marvel at the foremost masterpieces of Classical Greece, the eternal Parthenon and the exquisite Acropolis of Athens
  • Discover the finest and best-preserved of all classical Greek theaters, in Athens and Samos
  • Visit fascinating archaeological sites in the magnificent island of the N. Aegean region

SYLLABUS

Course Topics

  • Introduction to the Ancient Greek World, Athenian Culture and Politics
  • Pythagoras, Parmenides, Zeno
  • Introduction to Socrates, Plato’s Philosophy of Mathematics
  • The Mathematization of Natural Science: Plato’s Timaeus
  • Aristotle’s Philosophy of Mathematics
  • The Role of Reason in Ancient Thought
  • Pythagorean Astronomy, Mathematics and Philosophy
  • Hilbert’s Program
  • The Philosophy and Foundations of Mathematics in the Nineteenth Century
  • From Aristotle to Dedekind
  • Number Theory, Geometry, and a First Look at the Notion of Proof

FACULTY

SCOTT WEINSTEIN

Scott Weinstein is Professor of Philosophy, and of Computer and Information Science, and Mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his Ph.D. from The Rockefeller University in 1975. Scott specializes in logic and the philosophy of mathematics.

MICHAEL VAZQUEZ

Michael Vazquez  is Teaching Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Director of Outreach at the Parr Center for Ethics. He received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania and specializes in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy.

BRIAN REESE

Brian Reese is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Central Florida. He received his Ph.D. from University of Pennsylvania. Brian specializes in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy.

PERKS & OPTIONS

What is included in this program?

  • 3 U.S. credits
  • Accommodation in hand-picked and well-located superior class hotels
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Professionals e.g. licensed guides, lecturers, and tour managers
  • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites
  • All land and sea transportation included in the itinerary of the specific program
  • Information material
  • Local taxes
  • Transport to and from the airport in Greece

Optional

  • Airfares to and from Greece
  • Travel insurance
  • Any custom request

*to travel to Greece, US passport holders do not need a visa, but please check that your passports are valid for at least 6 months from June 2nd 2024.

RATES

APPLICATIONS UNTIL: February 15th, 2024

Participation cost:
– € 4,510.00 including 3 US credits
– € 3,910.00 without credits

Download the application form below and email it to [email protected]

SAiG Application formDownload