Explanatory Notes
How to Read the Schedule
- Day 2 — Monday 18 June 2018 has no parallel sessions.
- Day 3 — Tuesday 19 June 2018 has parallel sessions. Session 4A runs parallel with Session 4AA; Session 4B runs parallel with Session 4BB.
- Day 4 — Wednesday 20 June 2018 has parallel sessions.
The ancient Hellenic worldview placed humanity within a living, ordered cosmos rather than above it. Philosophers from the Presocratic thinkers to the Stoics understood nature as a harmonious whole governed by rational principles, where every element had its purpose and place. This ecological sensibility, rooted in reverence for the natural world, offers profound guidance for addressing the dramatic environmental changes unfolding on our planet today. By returning to these foundational ideas, contemporary researchers and policymakers can rediscover ethical frameworks that prioritize balance, restraint, and the intrinsic value of the earth over unchecked exploitation and short-term gain.
The conference brings together an interdisciplinary community of specialists from fields including philosophy, environmental science, health, technology, and the social sciences. This collaboration reflects the understanding that ecological degradation cannot be investigated through a single lens alone. The Hellenic tradition itself was inherently interdisciplinary, weaving together ethics, cosmology, medicine, and civic life into a unified pursuit of wisdom. By fostering dialogue across academic boundaries, the gathering aims to generate original, unpublished scholarship that reconnects modern environmental ethics with their ancient roots, producing practical measures for the protection of ecosystems and the improvement of quality of life.
Central to the discussions is the concept of ecological ethics as it emerged from Hellenic antiquity. The ancient Greeks did not separate human flourishing from the health of the land, the water, and the air. Their myths, rituals, and philosophical treatises consistently emphasized accountability toward the natural world and future generations. Today, as pollution, ecosystem collapse, and climate degradation accelerate, these timeless values demand renewed attention. The conference examines how principles such as moderation, stewardship, and respect for natural limits can inform contemporary policy, scientific research, and everyday behavior in meaningful, actionable ways.
The dramatic changes affecting the planet call for urgent reflection on the cultural and philosophical foundations of our relationship with nature. Hellenic thought offers a unique resource in this effort, having long investigated the connections between human action, societal health, and environmental balance. Participants from around the world, including invited speakers and researchers, will present original work exploring these themes. The proceedings aim not merely to diagnose problems but to articulate a positive vision grounded in ancient wisdom, one capable of guiding humanity toward a more sustainable and ethically coherent future in harmony with the living earth.
Day 1 — Sunday, 17 June 2018
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 19:00 | Opening Ceremony Chaired by Professor Emeritus S. A. Paipetis, Conference Chairman |
Day 2 — Monday, 18 June 2018
No parallel sessions. Full-day plenary programme.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| Morning | Plenary lectures and presentations |
| Afternoon | Continued plenary sessions |
Day 3 — Tuesday, 19 June 2018
Parallel sessions throughout the day.
| Time | Track A | Track B |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Session 4A | Session 4AA (parallel) |
| Afternoon | Session 4B | Session 4BB (parallel) |
Day 4 — Wednesday, 20 June 2018
Parallel sessions. Conference concludes at 14:00.
| Time | Track A | Track B |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Parallel Session 5A | Parallel Session 5B |
| 14:00 | Conference Conclusion | |
Related Resources
Full abstracts from conference speakers are available in the Book of Abstracts. For press announcements and media coverage, visit the Press page.