Scienza e Pubblico : la Filologia Classica e le discussioni sull’Europa

Kurzfassung/Abstract

The coverage of science and humanities in the media is shaped by three
types: (1) reports on new research projects and findings, (2) topics of the
current media agenda and (3) articles, that provide usefulness, advice and
orientation in society, culture and daily life. The traditional image of classical
philology in the public is characterized by the subject Latin in schools.
Of course, classical philology must continue to accompany and justify the
Latin lessons in the future. But there are other chances of a popular classical
philology: We live in times of social change. The central question of a popular
science is: What interests people (worries, hopes)? Possible questions
and answers of the classical philology to the topic area (2): What is Europe?
Do we need Europe? Where does the “Occident” come from? What is
“home/homeland”? What is “humanity”? What does “democracy” mean? -
Scholars could link with classical answers to current media debates or to
events such as statements of politicians, exhibitions, demonstrations. Or
topics with usefulness (3): “How to”, “How we ...”, “What we ...” (e.g.
“What we can learn from the ancient Greeks / Romans”, “What the ancient
Romans say to us for love / mourning / friendship / society etc.“). In the
digital media world, the scientific “experts” and “advisors” are not dependent
on journalistic media reporting, but communicate directly with target
groups: via their own blogs or appearances on Facebook or Instagram. Generally,
there is one risk for anyone who appears in the public domain: He
or she must simplify and aggravate, must pick up the people where they
are. Scientists therefore run the risk of not being recognized as serious scientists
by their peer group.