Attendees of the 13th Unisa Classics Colloquium
What is the shortest path to a good life? Where can one find happiness? Is happiness found internally? These were the questions asked at Unisa’s Classics Colloquium which took place from 25–27 October. Classics academics from all over the world attended.
The thought-provoking theme of the colloquium was Ancient Routes to Happiness, and the notion of happiness was interrogated and critiqued. Many of the internationally renowned speakers scrutinised the philosophy of happiness, and questioned whether it is gained by people’s standards.
Classical literature dates back to the early centuries of literature, philosophy, history, art, archaeology and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world. Although it is ancient, Classics remains relevant today and can inform contemporary society.
According to Prof Philip Bosman, the colloquium was a great success. He stated, “The discipline is a relatively small exclusive niche of people, so to have people from far and wide to consider our colloquium as an international event in the field of Classics is great”.
Postgraduate students also participated in the colloquium and received exposure to good scholarship. This, according to Prof Bosman, will have an impact on research output.
The Department of Classics and World Languages intends to publish a selection of papers in an Acta Classica supplement dedicated to the conference topic. Prof Bosman, together with his team, is already brainstorming 2013 and 2014 colloquiums.
By Kgaugelo Pule
