2010-2011 Philosophy Program Activities and Events 

"When 'Philosopher' Was a Bad Name: the origins of philosophos"

Location: Ladd Hall: 206
Date: 03/25/2011 - 03/25/2011
Time: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Visiting Assistant Professor Christopher Moore

Description: Come join us to hear Christopher Moore (Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy) as he tells a new story about the coinage of the Greek name philosophos ('philosopher'), and thus about the origins of a class of people called philosophoi ('philosophers'). He argues that the traditional etymology 'lover of wisdom' misleads us, as do the stories that people first called themselves philosophers to vaunt their modesty ('Naturally, I'm not yet wise!') or their estimation of wisdom ('Gosh, I love it and have got to have it!'). He suggests that the name may have been coined instead as an ironic, even comic or derisive, label applied to people who acted as though they were trying to attain the status of sophos (wise person, 'eminence gris') in a weirdly indolent or roundabout way. In sum: if you usually speak of philosophers sneeringly, you probably have total historical precedent! We look forward to seeing you!

Sponsor: Department of Philosophy & Religion

Contact: Christopher Moore  518-580-5403

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