Greek philosophy and Lithuanian thinkers: On the varieties of philosophical relation with the thinking tradition of Classical Antiquity

The author of the article discusses the range of attitudes of contemporary Lithuanian thinkers toward ancient Greek philosophy. Firstly, the author argues that the thinking tradition of Classical Antiquity may be viewed as an object of historical research conducted by contemporary Lithuanian scholars working in the field of philosophy history. The translations of the extant texts of prominent Greek philosophers, such as Heraclitus, Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Proclus, and others, into Lithuanian (in most cases for the first time), along with extensive running commentaries, informative introductions and scholarly studies, are not only very important in terms of research, but also as a significant contribution to Lithuanian culture. Secondly, the legacy of ancient Greek philosophers might be seen as a powerful source of inspiration to contemporary Lithuanian philosophers, such as Arvydas Sliogeris, Algis Mickunas, and others. The ethos of Greek philosophical thinking is sometimes even compared to authentic Lithuanian modes of thinking. There are, of course, some important differences, as well as striking similarities, in ancient Greek and contemporary Lithuanian philosophical world-outlook. Those contemporary Lithuanian philosophers who are interested in ancient Greek philosophy, not as an object of scholarly research, but as a rich source of philosophical inspiration, view themselves as partners of, so to speak, some sort of a synchronic dialogue with ancient Greek philosophers. Among such Lithuanian thinkers, Arvydas Sliogeris, without doubt, is most prominent, original, and authentic. Thirdly, some contemporary Lithuanian thinkers who view themselves as champions of various postmodern modes of thinking are also keenly interested in ancient Greek philosophy, yet not as a source of admiration and inspiration, but, rather, as a formidable rival of continental postmetaphysical (especially French) thought. Fourthly, those contemporary Lithuanian philosophers who are rethinking the question of the origins, the inner nature, and the mission of philosophy in our world are perfectly aware of the fact that they cannot do such work of rethinking without constantly having in mind the history and legacy of ancient Greek philosophy as a primary source of Western philosophical thought in general. At the end of the article, the conclusion is made that such a wide range of philosophical relation and attitudes of contemporary Lithuanian philosophers toward ancient Greek philosophy might be interpreted as an expression of the vitality of the dialogue between ancient Greek philosophers and contemporary Lithuanian thinkers.