Prof. Parara Spoke at the 28th Modern Greek Studies Association Symposium at Princeton University

Prof. Parara spoke on Koraes and Greek Democracy

Prof. Polyvia Parara delivered a paper at the 28th Biennial International Modern Greek Studies Association Symposium, which took place at Princeton University on October 17-20, 2024.

Her paper, entitled "Democracy in Focus: Koraes' Analysis of the Greek 'Koina' and 'Demotyranniae'", examined Koraes' ideological views on Greek Democracy, as manifested in a selection of his Platonic-style political dialogues (1805-1829), correspondence, and introductions in his "Impromptu Reflections". These dialogues, among various themes, illuminate Koraes' interpretation of Greek Democracy, which he viewed as the rule of the mob, following its reception in modernity. By comparing key passages from Koraes' "Impromptu Reflections", her paper shed light on Koraes's ideological renderings of history through the Western lenses of modernity regarding the classical past and his contemporary era. Koraes examines democracy - "tas palaias democratias"- by employing nineteenth-century liberal ideas and politics. Dr Parara argued that the partial and negative stance of the ideology of modernity and the prevailing Western narrative of the Greek world marks his approach. She concluded with a new epistemological approach suggesting a repositioning of the historical narrative about the Greek world, one that proposes to view Hellenism as a vehicle of democratic practices that extend from antiquity to the Greek War of Independence. According to Prof. Parara, this perspective, which underpinned her presentation, helps change the framework of understanding the continuity of Greek history and redefines democracy and freedom. 
 
The paper was very well received, with many questions from the audience.