Modern discourse and contemporary scientific practice often assume a fundamental incompatibility between scientific inquiry and poetic form. While this debate seems settled today, it remained open in antiquity. In this talk, I revisit the stakes and conditions of this debate in the ancient world, where metrical composition was widely employed and valued in scientific literature. The works of Aratus, Nicander, Lucretius, Oppian, and others illustrate the enduring role of poetic form in conveying scientific knowledge, extending its influence far beyond classical antiquity. The structured rhythm of verse not only served as a medium for knowledge transmission but also demanded interpretative engagement, requiring the reader to actively confirm and complete its meaning. This function persisted despite objections from thinkers like Plato and Plutarch and the enduring narrative of prose as a vehicle for a logos liberated from its archaic mythos. 

We are delighted to announce the second part of the workshop series on Gender Stereotypes in Greco-Roman Antiquity.

Details on the next three meetings (March-May) are available here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e_XMKZTxCadLlgp3ZwZzVvhBC9pUz9uT/view . 

Information on later meetings (May-July) will be communicated in due time. 

In the second session in the workshop Bonnie MacLachlan (Department of Classical Studies,  Universityof Western Ontario) will give a paper titled “Do Women Have an Essence?  Aristotle’s Answer.” The Call for Registration will be sent soon.  

The Organizing Committee

Anita Reisler (Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Asaf Roth (University of Pennsylvania)

Benjamin Wilck (Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Ohad Katz (Hebrew University of Jerusalem)