NEW YORK— On June 4, Professor Russell Edward Jones of Harvard University’s Philosophy Department spoke at the Muses, Nicholas S. Zoullas Hellenic Center at the Kimisis tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons in Southampton about the School of Athens, and the wide-reaching influence of Plato and Aristotle. The School of Athens by Renaissance master Raphael is one of the most famous frescoes ever painted and is widely considered Raphael’s masterpiece. Painting began in 1509 and was completed in 1511 in the public part of the papal apartments of the Vatican Palace now known as the Raphael Rooms. The painting depicts Philosophy and the ancient Greek philosophers whose influence was so vital to the Renaissance and western thought. Plato and Aristotle are the figures at the center of the painting which inspired the mosaic outside of the Muses. Beautifully executed by artisans, the School of Athens mosaic creates a counterpoint to the striking mosaic on the front of the church depicting the Kimisis tis Theotokou.
Prof. Jones along with Father Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter, and Presvytera Xanthi Karloutsos admired the brilliant work in stone before entering the building for a pre-lecture reception. Father Constantine Lazarakis, Presbyter, welcomed everyone to the lecture, one of a series of summer culture offerings, and then welcomed Dr. Peter Michalos who introduced Prof. Jones. The professor gave an engaging talk on Plato and Aristotle, inviting those attending to participate in a philosophical discussion and to suggest what components were necessary to live a good life. Prof. Jones gave some brief background information on the lives of the philosophers, since what we know about Socrates, for example, is through what is written about him by his students, Plato and Xenophon, and through Aristotle to some extent, who was Plato’s student. Some of the suggestions on the components of a good life included faith, education, health, friendship, coffee, Greek salad, being helpful, kind, cooperative, and just. Father Karloutsos suggested money. Businessman, former New York City mayoral candidate, and radio talk show host John Catsimatidis, in attendance with his wife Margo, noted the difference between teachers and mentors in the crucial role that knowledge plays in the good life, teachers offering scholarly experience while mentors impart more practical career knowledge. Prof. Jones went on to explain how some of the things mentioned were not good in and of themselves but only good depending on how they were used. Money could be used for bad purposes or for good, the professor explained. Health, too could be either good or bad, depending on how it is used. Prof. Jones mentioned Xenophon’s recollection of Socrates discussing health, noting that the healthy are sent off to war, putting their lives at risk and though they may do well and gain glory and riches, they might also lose their lives, while the unhealthy get to stay home, safe from the dangers of war. Friendship, too could either be good or bad, considering how bad friends may lead good children astray. One component considered entirely good was Sophia or Wisdom. Being engaged in thinking about the world around us and what constitutes a good life, helps us progress as individuals and as a society, connecting the often disparate aspects of life in a profound way.
Also among those attending, Father Ignatios Stavropoulos of the Brotherhood of the Holy Metamorfosis Sotiros Monastery of Nafpakto, and church benefactor and sponsor of the event Coula Johnides who expressed her love of philosophy that began, she said, as a young child. Johnides presented an icon of the Virgin Mary with an inscription on the back to commemorate the lecture to Prof. Jones at the conclusion of the event.