20 August 2026
Plato
Access to Keynote 1:
Why Plato Matters Now
€ 50
21 August 2026
Marcus Aurelius
Access to Keynote 2:
Marcus Aurelius: A Leader for Our Times?
€ 50
20-22 August 2026
Full Programme
Access to the full Pluartis Philosophy Arena Symposium (Early-bird)
€ 440
Pluartis Symposium
Philosophy Arena
Pula, Croatia | 20–22 August 2026
Join us for a three-day pursuit of wisdom and engage in lively intellectual debates set against the restorative beauty of the Istrian coast.
Keynotes:
Plato & Marcus Aurelius
Debate:
The Digital Soul: Can AI inhabit the Citadel?
Co-organizer & Academic Host:
Juraj Dobrila University of Pula
“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.
Scholars, Intellectuals and Creative Minds: For those exploring the intersection of ancient ethics and emerging technologies like AI.
Lifelong Learners: For enquiring minds from any background who value the practice of dialogue and the pursuit of the “Inner Citadel.”
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 Extension.
“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 suitably equipped, modern premises of the Juraj Dobrila University of 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.
Rates & Registration
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.
20-22 August 2026
Full Programme Early-Bird Rate
Access to the full Pluartis Philosophy Arena Symposium (Early-bird)
Valid until 30 June 2026*
€ 440
20-22 August 2026
Full Programme Standard Rate
Access to the full Pluartis Philosophy Arena Symposium (Early-bird)
As of 1 July 2026*
€ 660
Notice
- Exclusions: Participants are responsible for their individual travel arrangements, accommodation, and any meals not specified in the official programme.
- Inclusions: Comprehensive access to all keynote sessions and debates, curated workshop materials and guided tours, session refreshments, and social dining (the Symposium Dinner on 20 August and the Closing Brunch on 22 August).
- Early bird rate for students (undergraduate, master’s or PhD level) is valid until 10 July 2026.
Keynote Sessions Only
20 August 2026
Plato
Access to Keynote 1:
Why Plato Matters Now
€ 50
21 August 2026
Marcus Aurelius
Access to Keynote 2:
Marcus Aurelius: A Leader for Our Times?
€ 50
Notice
- Keynote Sessions Only includes access to the selected keynote session option only.
Video Recording and Photography at the Symposium
A professional photographer will be taking photographs at the Symposium, including crowd shots, which may then be used for publicity. Please let us know during registration if you do not wish to be in these photographs. The keynote talks and the debates may be filmed at the symposium venue and uploaded to our archive and might be published online through video distribution channels after the event.