From ancient wisdom to future innovation - The role of the University of Athens
The event “From Ancient Wisdom to Future Innovation: The Role of the University of Athens”, organized within Panathenea 2026, explores the enduring relevance of philosophical thinking and its intersection with modern innovation. Hosted by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the event brings together academics and experts to examine how critical thinking—rooted in classical philosophy—continues to shape contemporary science, decision-making, and the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. It also highlights the University’s role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, featuring presentations from its technology transfer unit and emerging spinoffs. Set in the historic Athens University History Museum, the event connects Greece’s intellectual heritage with its future innovation landscape.
Agenda
1. UoA: The meeting point of education, philosophy and innovation (15 min.)
Aristeidis Samitas, Vice Rector of Finance and Development, NKUA
This opening segment will highlight the role of the UoA in advancing knowledge through high-quality teaching and impactful research, shaping Greece’s academic landscape while engaging in international collaborations and societal outreach. With a strong commitment to cultural, scientific, and social development, the UoA serves as a foundational pillar in both national progress and the global academic community.
2. The Contemporary Significance of Critical Thinking (60 min.)
2.1. What Is Philosophy? (15 min.)
George Politis, Professor of Social Philosophy, NKUA
Introduction to different understandings of philosophy and its relationship with logic and science. Through accessible examples and brief references, participants will be invited to consider how philosophical thinking operates in everyday social life as well as in scientific practice.
2.2. From Practical Wisdom to the Philosophy of Science (15 min.)
Ioannis Kalogerakos, Professor of Ancient Greek Philosophy, NKUA
The presentation highlights the link between theory and practice, focusing on philosophy’s role in shaping ethical judgment and rigorous reasoning. It will illustrate how philosophical reflection underpins responsible decision-making and structured argumentation.
2.3. Critical Thinking in the Age of AI (15 min.)
Dr. Alkis Gounaris, NKUA, Member of the AI National Commission for Bioethics and Technoethics
The talk addresses key philosophical questions raised by AI and examines how recent technological developments are reshaping knowledge, human agency and the way we understand action and responsibility.
2.4. Contemporary Decision Making and the Classics: The Foundations of Behavioral Decisions (15 min.)
Dimitrios Thomakos, Professor in Applied Econometrics & Head of Department of Business Administration, NKUA
Decision-making draws on enduring principles from classical Greek and Byzantine thought, including insights from Thucydides. Today, AI enables us to reinterpret and combine this classical critical thinking with modern heuristics, creating more powerful and practical decision-making frameworks.
3. Innovative Entrepreneurship and the UoA (30 min.)
Short presentation of the Archimedes Technology Transfer and Innovation Unit and 5 min. pitches from selected UoA spinoffs
4. Cocktails & Networking
The Venue
The event will take place in the Athens University History Museum, which is located in one of the oldest residential buildings still standing in Athens today. The building dates long before the 18th century and it is situated in Plaka, beneath the imposing heights of the Acropolis with a panoramic view of the old city centre.