Platonic Academy of Melbourne

Ancient Greek language & the first philosophers
Part II: Nature, Being and Dialogue from Parmenides to Plato

In person at the North Melbourne Library and online via Zoom
5 meetings, Mondays 7-9pm, from 29 June to 27 July

Discussing key fragments of the first philosophers whose discovery of the meaning of nature began the traditions of philosophical and scientific inquiry that influence Plato, Aristotle and beyond.

A two-part course taught by Martin Black in collaboration with the Independent School of Philosophy.

The second part of this course will start with Parmenides, and the thinkers who followed him down to Socrates. Parmenides marks a watershed in the history of thought for bring attention to the deepest questions of being and intelligibility, questions which have had a decisive influence on classical and modern philosophy.
Language: continuing the introduction to the ancient Greek language using words and sentences of the first philosophers.

* Two 6-week courses suitable for beginners
* Including an elementary introduction to the ancient Greek language
* No previous knowledge of the Greek alphabet or the Greek language is required.
* No previous knowledge of these philosophers is required.
* If you have some previous training in Ancient Greek language, then please consider Learning Greek with Plato.
* All course materials will be provided in PDFs for each class.
* LOCATION: In person at the North Melbourne Library and online via Zoom
* PRICE: Full / Concession: $180 / $90 (Member Price: $135 / $67.5)

Bookings and further information:

https://platonicacademy.com.au/ancient-greek-language-the-first-philosophers-part-i-ii/

"Building the Beautiful City: The Possibility of Actualizing Plato’s Philosophy at the Level of Politics" Presented by Dr Benjamin Studebaker, online from the USA.

For our 2026 Timewell Memorial Lecture, we are pleased to have Dr Benjamin Studebaker live from the USA. Dr Studebaker will speak to a tradition of Platonic scholarship that takes seriously Plato’s Republic as a model for good governance.

Please join us at the Syme Centre in Carlton where the lecture will be delivered via zoom and followed by a Q & A with the speaker. If you can’t make it to the venue, then you can also attend online.

Held at Kathleen Syme Centre, Carlton + online
Time: 12 to 2pm, Saturday 11 July
Free Lecture. Donations welcomed.
Bookings: https://platonicacademy.com.au/product/ti

Did Plato structure the text of the Republic according to mathematical ratios? This question came up again in the discussion followig Eva Anagnostou-Laoutides's talk at our last salon. It's such an extraordinary claim . . . and yet could it really be true?

Maya Alapin on Mathematical Structures in Plato’s Republic – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) For several episodes we have been circling around the idea that Plato may have been doing something even more tricky than usual in his structuring of the Republic. In this episode we seek expert help in getting to the bottom of the matter. Maya Alapin worked at Oxford on the question of mathematical...

PLATO’S REPUBLIC 2026: Part 1

This course extends across two 6-week terms so that we can read together the entire 10 books of the Republic. This part of the course will cover Books 1-5, 8 & 9.

This is one of Plato’s most important works, and well worth spending time on.

* 6 weekly evening classes, 6.30-8pm
* Beginning Tuesday 2 June 2026
* Location: Kathleen Syme Centre, Carlton (+online)
* Booking and further information: platonicacademy.com.au

Note: Part 2 will be held online as Bernie will be overseas

Ancient Greek Language & the First Philosophers 2026: Part 1

A two-part course taught by Martin Black in collaboration with the Independent School of Philosophy.

Discussing key fragments of the first philosophers whose discovery of the meaning of nature began the traditions of philosophical and scientific inquiry that influence Plato, Aristotle and beyond.

Particular attention will be paid to reading these fragments in-translation. Beginner greek grammar will be introduced alongside historical discussion.

This part of the course will discuss key fragments of thinkers from Thales down to Heraclitus, the first great philosopher of whose works we have substantial remains. He has been a vital influence on thinkers from Plato down to Heidegger, and we will devote a number of sessions to his thought.

* Monday nights from 7 to 9pm (Melbourne Time)
* All Dates: 18, 25 May and 1, 15, 22 June 2026
* Location: North Melbourne Library, 66 Errol St (+online)
* Presented by Martin Black in Collaboration with the Independent School of Philosophy
* For beginners: no knowledge of Greek language or alphabet is required.
* Location: Kathleen Syme Centre, Carlton (+online)
* Booking and further information: platonicacademy.com.au

Autumn Salon 2026: Music and Mind Games from Plato to Augustine.

Eva Anagnostou-Laoutides returns for another lecture, this time to present on the very interesting topic of Pythagoras’ "Harmony of the Spheres" theory and its influence on Plato and Platonism, particularly as it applies to the good life and the good society.

Join us 3pm, Saturday 9 May, at the Syme Centre in Carlton for the talk, discussion and afternoon tea.

* Free event, donations accepted
* Saturday, May 9 • 3 PM - 5 PM
* Location Kathleen Syme Centre, Carlton
* Booking essential due to limited capacity, secure your place via eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/autumn-salon-music-and-mind-games-from-plato-to-augustine-tickets-1987028124610