Speaker

Dr Leonardo Constantini (University of Bristol): respondents Dr Lindsey Davidson and Dr Sig Sønnesyn

Chair

Dr Sig Sønnesyn

Abstract

The study of classical languages was fundamental to the articulation of the notion of ‘the humanities’ as a distinct field of study. However, times change, and we change with them (as the Romans said); can classics still offer a valuable contribution to meeting the challenges and problems currently facing the field of humanities? This seminar will propose ways in which the study of classics can be seen as relevant to the humanities as they appear today, with particular application to the comparative study of religions. Languages are far more than arbitrary signs used to refer to a shared content; they represent different ways of relating to the world and to other human beings, and they derive their meaning not from an isolated realm of linguistic meaning but from structures and patterns of communal human life. Studying the classical languages both enable us to perceive in general terms the need to understand languages in their social and intellectual context in order to comprehend the patterns and structures of meaning of any given language, and allows us to see appropriate structures of meaning central to the development not only of Christianity but also of Judaism and Islam.  

The talk will be followed by a Q&A and a small reception of drinks and nibbles.