Building Community Around the Practice of Philosophy
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The Apeiron Society of Calgary is a community passionate about big ideas that matter.
Through our bi-weekly talks, pop-up events, and annual symposium in Kannaskis, we're building a public forum where people learn to use philosophy to lead more intentional, reflective lives. |
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Flagship Programs
The Apeiron Speaker Series (Bi-Weekly)
Bi-weekly talks and group discussions about big ideas that matter. The Speaker Series is facilitated by leading experts from across a range of disciplines—from philosophy to literature, to history, psychology, and biomedicine.
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The Annual Kananskis Symposium
An annual gathering of community members and academic specialists in Kananaskis, for a weekend of thematic lectures, group reflections, and wonderful conversations
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The Apeiron Speaker Series (W26) — Up Next:
"Performing Philosophy"
James Rutherford Hume
(University of Calgary, Department of Classics & Religion)
Feb 10, 2026
James Rutherford Hume
(University of Calgary, Department of Classics & Religion)
Feb 10, 2026
Event Description:
The Socrates presented to us in Plato’s dialogues had a low estimation of the function of theatre (as of other mimetic art) in Greek society. There is evidence, however, that the philosopher was an enthusiastic attendee at Athens' Theatre of Dionysos. He is said to have risen proudly from his seat and remained standing during the original production of Aristophanes’ Clouds (423 B.C.), of which he was the chief object of comic ridicule. Two and a half decades later (399), that same comedy became Exhibit A for the prosecution in Socrates’ capital trial (Plato’s Apology). It could be argued, however, that Socrates’ own “comic” performance before the jurors secured his death sentence. Plato’s subsequent portrayals of his master, moreover, are themselves as “theatrical” as they are philosophical. What was the relationship between theatre and reality, mimesis and truth, for the Greeks? Was ancient philosophy itself a species of performance art? Will (can) the real Socrates stand up?
James Hume is an Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Classics and Religion at the University of Calgary. He has been lecturing there for over thirty years on ancient Greek and Roman literature, mythology, and religion. He contributed articles on those topics to the Cambridge Dictionary of Classical Civilization (2006)..
Practical Information:
🗓️ Date: Feb 10, 2026.
⌚ Time: 19:00 — 21:00
🗺️ Address: Scandinavian Centre, 739 – 20th Ave NW, Calgary.
This event is open to non-members. Do drop-in!
Please contact [email protected] to request more information.
The Socrates presented to us in Plato’s dialogues had a low estimation of the function of theatre (as of other mimetic art) in Greek society. There is evidence, however, that the philosopher was an enthusiastic attendee at Athens' Theatre of Dionysos. He is said to have risen proudly from his seat and remained standing during the original production of Aristophanes’ Clouds (423 B.C.), of which he was the chief object of comic ridicule. Two and a half decades later (399), that same comedy became Exhibit A for the prosecution in Socrates’ capital trial (Plato’s Apology). It could be argued, however, that Socrates’ own “comic” performance before the jurors secured his death sentence. Plato’s subsequent portrayals of his master, moreover, are themselves as “theatrical” as they are philosophical. What was the relationship between theatre and reality, mimesis and truth, for the Greeks? Was ancient philosophy itself a species of performance art? Will (can) the real Socrates stand up?
James Hume is an Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Classics and Religion at the University of Calgary. He has been lecturing there for over thirty years on ancient Greek and Roman literature, mythology, and religion. He contributed articles on those topics to the Cambridge Dictionary of Classical Civilization (2006)..
Practical Information:
🗓️ Date: Feb 10, 2026.
⌚ Time: 19:00 — 21:00
🗺️ Address: Scandinavian Centre, 739 – 20th Ave NW, Calgary.
This event is open to non-members. Do drop-in!
Please contact [email protected] to request more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
— Do I need to have studied philosophy to become a member?
— Do I need to prepare in advance before attending one of the Apeiron Society of Calgary's philosophy events?
— Can I drop in to try out an event before committing to a membership with the Apeiron Society?
— What are the benefits of getting a membership in Apeiron Society of Calgary?
— Can members participate in planning, organizing, or leading activities with the Apeiron Society?
- Not at all! Our philosophy events and programs are open to people of all backgrounds.
— Do I need to prepare in advance before attending one of the Apeiron Society of Calgary's philosophy events?
- You need nothing but a hunger for big ideas! The Apeiron Society of Calgary strives to ensure that our philosophy events are accessible to all, requiring no preparation beforehand.
— Can I drop in to try out an event before committing to a membership with the Apeiron Society?
- Absolutely! We ask that non-members donate $10 as a drop-in fee for each event attended. If you decide you want to become a member of the Apeiron Society, then you can have your donations to go towards your membership fee. Just reach out to us at [email protected] and let us know!
— What are the benefits of getting a membership in Apeiron Society of Calgary?
- You'll be able to attend our Speaker Series for free, receive discounted (and preferential) access to our annual Kananskis Symposium, and be invited to attend our pop-up philosophy events and after-event socials! In short, you'll be a part of our community!
— Can members participate in planning, organizing, or leading activities with the Apeiron Society?
- Yes! All members are welcome to suggest, plan, or help lead a philosophy event with the Apeiron Society of Calgary. In the past, we've helped members deliver talks in our Speaker Series as well as organize their own pop-up philosophy events.