National Hellenic Museum Hosts Stanford University Scholar Josiah Ober

 Josiah Ober, Stanford University Professor of Political Science and Classics, will have a  compelling conversation about the contemporary political and economic relevance of Ancient Greece as it relates to modern democracy.

 Ober works on historical institutionalism and political theory, focusing on the political thought and practice of the ancient Greek world and its contemporary relevance. He is the author of a number of books mostly published by Princeton University Press, including “Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens” (1989), “Political Dissent in Democratic Athens” (2008), “Democracy and Knowledge” (2008). His new book on “The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece” argues that Greece’s rise was not a miracle but rather the result of political breakthroughs and economic development driven by the extraordinary emergence of citizen-centered city-states that transformed Greece into a society that defeated the mighty Persian Empire. He will discuss how ancient Greek politics can help us transcend the democratic dilemmas that confront the world today.

The event will be held Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St., Chicago, from  2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 Introductory Remarks by Dr. Jonathan Elmer, Marilynn Thoma Artistic Director of the Chicago Humanities Festival and English Professor at Indiana University, Bloomington.

This lecture is one of a series of events in support of The Greeks exhibition at The Field Museum. The rise and fall of Ancient Greece offers powerful lessons for modern society. Combining a history of Athens with contemporary theories of collective action and rational choice developed by economists and political scientists, Ober will examine Athenian democracy’s unique contribution to the ancient Greek city-state’s remarkable success.

Tickets available at https://www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/calendar/democracy-and-knowledge/

Located in Chicago’s Greektown, the sleek 40,000-square-foot National Hellenic Museum at 333. S. Halsted St. is both contemporary and timeless, connecting all generations—past, present and future—to the rich heritage of Greek history, culture, art and the Greek American experience. The National Hellenic Museum, previously known as the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, has been fulfilling this mission since 1983.

For more information, visit http://www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.

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