PLUARTIS SYMPOSIUM 2026: PHILOSOPHY ARENA
Architecture of the Soul | Building the Inner Citadel
20-22 August 2026 | Pula, Istria, Croatia
Plato & Marcus Aurelius
Keynote: Prof. Angie Hobbs
Afternoon debate theme: “The Digital Soul: Can AI inhabit the Citadel?”
“Hello. I am Angie Hobbs, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy Emerita at the University of Sheffield. I am delighted to invite you to join me this summer for a unique intellectual journey: The Pluartis Symposium 2026.
Our central theme is Architecture of the Soul: Building the Inner Citadel. In an increasingly fluid and complex world, the ancient search for a stable internal foundation has never been more urgent. Together, we will explore how classical wisdom can provide the vital guidance for modern resilience.
I look forward to meeting you in the Arena this August. Let us build that inner citadel together. See you in Pula.”
Invitation
We invite a global community of thinkers and creatives to step into the Arena and join the Circle of Dialogue – a collective effort to re-examine ancient wisdom as a pathway to modern resilience.
Strategists and Leaders: For those navigating complex professional landscapes who seek to apply the clarity of classical wisdom to contemporary leadership.
Intellectuals and Creative Minds: For those exploring the intersection of ancient ethics and emerging technologies like AI.
Local Scholars and Citizens: For the people of Istria and visitors who wish to re-examine these Roman stones as a symbolic guidance for civic virtue and personal strength.
Lifelong Learners: For enquiring minds from any background who value the practice of dialogue and the pursuit of the “Inner Citadel.”
Shape the Debate
We invite interested participants to send us an abstract of at most 250 words on a topic related to the overall theme “The Digital Soul: Can AI inhabit the Citadel?” by June 1, 2026. Please submit your abstract and affiliation by sending it to the following email address: office@pluartis.com.
The debates will consist of a short presentation followed by a discussion. Notification of acceptance to present your debate topic will be sent out by June 15, 2026.
Submitting an abstract is not mandatory for attending the Symposium.
Programme Overview
Below is the structural outline for the 2026 Symposium.
Registered delegates will receive a comprehensive Program Pack containing precise locations, session specifics, and the full social calendar.
Schedule
Day 1 | Thursday, 20 August 2026
The Foundation.
“An exploration of Platonic ethics and the Tripartite Soul led by Prof. Angie Hobbs.
Afternoon debate: “The Digital Soul: Can AI inhabit the Citadel?”
Opening Symposium Dinner.
Day 2 | Friday, 21 August 2026
The Philosophy Arena.
“A deep dive into Stoic resilience and Marcus Aurelius led by Prof. Angie Hobbs.
Afternoon debate: ‘The Digital Soul: Can AI inhabit the Citadel?’”
Day 3 | Saturday, 22 August 2026
The Synthesis.
“Integrating the Architecture of the Soul into professional life.”
Farewell Epicurean Lunch.
Session Timing
10:00 – 14:00 Daily
Language
All formal sessions and dialogues are conducted in English.
Logistics & Venue
Location
The Concept vs. The Classroom: While our symposium title, “Philosophy Arena,” and our call to “Step into the Arena” serve as powerful allegories for intellectual courage and building the inner citadel, we wish to clarify the structure of our sessions for the comfort of all participants.
Session Locations: To ensure a professional and focused environment – shielded from the peak summer heat of Istria – all academic sessions, keynote lectures, and debates will take place in a suitably equipped, modern venue in Pula. These facilities are selected to provide the necessary climate control, acoustic quality, and technical infrastructure required for high-level research and dialogue.
Historical Site Integration: The symbolic heart of Pula remains central to our experience. The official symposium programme includes specially curated guided tours of the Roman Arena and the Forum. These tours are included in the symposium fee and are designed to allow participants to reflect on the morning’s philosophical themes while standing within the historic landmarks that inspired them.
Travel & Connectivity
Pula is accessible via several international airports. Approximate drive times to the city center:
- PUY (Pula): 15 mins
- TRS (Trieste): 2 hours
- LJU (Ljubljana): 2.5 hours
- VCE (Venice): 3 hours
- ZAG (Zagreb): 3 hours
Transit advice is available for all registered delegates. Private transfers can be arranged upon request.
Accommodation
Selection of hotels and boutique stays provided upon registration.
Optional extensions
Curated Brijuni Islands excursions, and private archaeological viewings.
Registration & Rates
To mark the inauguration of the Pluartis Symposium, we are pleased to offer a special Founding Rate. This is our way of acknowledging the committed community of researchers and professionals who are joining us to establish this intellectual tradition.
Early Bird
Valid until 14 June 2026
Standard
From 15 June 2026
Notice
- Inclusions: Comprehensive access to all keynote sessions and debates, curated workshop materials, session refreshments, and social dining (the Symposium Dinner on 20 August and the Closing Brunch on 22 August).
- Exclusions: Participants are responsible for their individual travel arrangements, accommodation, and any meals not specified in the official programme.
Online registration opens soon. Pre-register via email now: office@pluartis.com