Logos (λόγος; in the Greek alphabet) is a foundational idea in ancient Greek philosophy that, even thousands of years and several outsider invasions later, continues to impact identity and culture in modern Greece. As with other ancient Greek words and concepts, the definition spans different meanings and connotations. For logos this includes speech, story, word, reason, logic, thought, and principle, covering the spectrum from human thought to universal intelligence.
Logos is the root word of dialogos, or dialogue, which is a central value in Greek culture. Stories, reasoning and logic, and principle form the essence of Greek communication and
relationship building, particularly through rigorous and intentional dialogue. Understanding how logos and dialogos impact communication, relationships, government, business, and character is integral to cultural learning and understanding the complexities of modern Greek life.
The overarching theme for the program is: λόγος (Logos): Understanding the Foundations of Dialogue in Greek Culture. We will explore why logos, as an ideal in ancient Greek thought, emerged in Greece and how it is still at work today, especially in the way modern Greeks view and communicate their past, identity, and the future.
The big-picture outcomes of this program are to provide a comprehensive understanding of ancient Greek philosophy and its influence on modern Greek culture; to develop intercultural competence skills and cultural sensitivity through understanding the values, beliefs, and communication styles of Greeks; and to facilitate the application of philosophical concepts and intercultural communication skills through activities and experiences in Greece.