Greek Philosophers, Founding Fathers & American Law

The National Hellenic Museum will host U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Richard Allen Posner on Thursday, January 28, for a discussion on Greek philosophers and their influence on America’s political system.

Posner, a longtime member of the U.S. Court of Appeals and the most cited legal scholar of the 20th century, will discuss the impact of Greek philosophers, Aristotle in particular, on America’s founders, law and institution. Aristotle is generally regarded as one of the most influential ancient thinkers in a number of philosophical fields, including political theory.

The discussion, one of a series of events the National Hellenic Museum is holding this winter in support of “The Greeks” exhibit at The Field Museum, provides a timely reminder of democracy’s roots during this presidential election year, said Elizabeth Martin, the museum’s executive director.

“Judge Posner is one of our country’s most acclaimed and influential legal scholars,” said Martin. “It’s such a gift to have him here to offer his keen insight into the enduring impact of the great philosophers of Ancient Greece.”

Tickets are free for students, $15 per person, $10 for members, and are available at the museum’s website.

Judge Posner is an influential legal theorist, judge, author, and senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School. He helped found the law and economics movement, which argues that the primary goal of law should be outcomes that are economically sensible and efficient rather than “just.” He was the founding editor of the “Journal of Legal Studies” and the “American Law and Economics Review,” and has written 30 books, including ones on the Clinton impeachment and Bush vs. Gore, and more than 300 articles and book reviews.