Please join us for the next installment in our "No More Than A Page" series. This series gives an opportunity for faculty and advanced graduate students to receive feedback on their research in process. Presenters provide attendees with a one-page summary of their current research and attendees engage in a lively discussion.
February's talk will be given by Ohio State University's new Assistant Professor of Classics Ben Folit-Weinberg, a scholar of ancient Greek thought whose research operates at the intersection of poetry and drama, philosophy, and intellectual history, presenting "Early Greek aēr: Matter or Agent?"
Abstract:
Though it has not received a great deal of scholarly attention, Homeric aēr has always been understood primarily in terms of matter and objects (being equivalent to mist, fog, or “our air”). In a recent article, Folit-Weinberg argues that there are good reasons for doubting whether this is the best way to approach early Greek aēr, and that what aēr should be understood instead in terms of what it does. In this case, the question of how to conceptualize aēr’s agency assumes central significance – and, given aēr’s prominent role in early Presocratic theories about the nature of reality, how one answers it has potentially far-reaching implications for the history of early Greek thought.
Dr. Folit-Weinberg's page is available by request. Please email religion@osu.edu to request a copy.
This event is free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the Humanities Institute.
The Humanities Institute and its related centers host a wide range of events, from intense discussions of works in progress to cutting-edge presentations from world-known scholars, artists, activists and everything in between.
We value in-person engagement at our events as we strive to amplify the energy in the room. But we also recognize the fact that not all our guests will be able to visit our space. Zoom access will be available to this event upon request. If you wish to have such access, please send your request to Megan Moriarty: moriarty.8@osu.edu.
