The Greek Connection: Valala at Adelphi

by David Fuller

Philosophy and democracy might have been the greatest contributions of the ancient Greeks. Thousands of years later, democracy is at the heart of American politics and philosophy. Adelphi University had the privilege of hosting a guest philosophy professor from Greece during the week of October 6, who lectured about democracy, Aristotle's philosophy, Greek history and their connection to current problems experienced in the modern world.

Dr. Theresa Pentzopoulou-Valala is an accomplished scholar who teaches ancient Greek Philosophy at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. She has written over sixty publications and received several international awards for her academic endeavors, and is considered one of the top scholars in her country. On October 7, Valala lectured in the University Center. Introducing her were Dr. Martin Haas and Dr. Cristina Zaccarini of the history department, Dr. Wendy Hamblet of the philosophy department, and Alexander Caviris, vice president of the Student History Society.

Valala opened her lecture with a brief biography of Aristotle's life followed by a brief history of democracy in ancient Greece. The major theme of the lecture was explaining Aristotle's definition of democracy and politics. She said that politicians, according to the Aristotelian definition, serve the state and serve its people. Many modern day politicians are not true politicians in the Aristotelian sense because they represent political parties or seek personal glorification as opposed to representing the public good. She also argued that man is a social and political being. It is part of the human condition for man to construct societies. "Man is a political animal," Valala stated.

The most imperative lesson from the presentation came from Valala's explanation of the symbiotic relationship between politics and ethics. She urged that if a political system is corrupted, dictatorship and tyranny will infect the state. She used the examples of the former Soviet Union and the Roman Empire. "Politics and ethics go together. Ethics are the foundation of a government," said Valala. What facilitates a democratic state, she said, is an active and educated citizenry, the safeguards against oppression.

She continued by noting that the middle class should be the main governing class in a democratic state. "The middle class is the best guarantee for democracy. If the poor have a majority of political power, they might govern by mob rule and attack the upper and middle classes. If the rich have a majority of political power, they will buy politicians who will only cater to their interests and neglect the middle and lower classes, widening the disparity between rich and poor."

Throughout the week, Valala lectured in various classes, ranging from computer science, political theory, philosophy, bioethics, history and business communications. In Dr. Sifried's class, Dr. Greenfield's class, and Dr. Mather's class Valala discussed humanistic values as ethical values. In Professor Hidalgo's class, philosophic postulates were discussed. In Professor Hamblet's philosophy class, Dr. Valala lectured on philosophic skepticism. In Professor Levy's political theory class, the nature of a politician and a statesman were discussed.

Throughout the week, Valala met with the Honors College, the history department, and the Student History Society. Commenting to students, "History is paramount for understanding the human condition," said Valala.

The Student History Society was largely responsible for organizing every event, from the lectures to the luncheons. The society has also organized two other guest lectures in the upcoming month. Dr. Valala's visit was funded by the Onassis Foundation.