From Aristotle to Marx: A Four-Day Intellectual Feast in Assos
This four-day philosophical journey in Assos brought together Örsan Öymen’s legacy of truth-seeking, rooted in his journalistic ethics, with the intellectual platform built by his son, Örsan Kunter Öymen, in the footsteps of Aristotle. Discussions ranging from the crises of capitalism to ecological limits, from Marxism to ancient philosophy, not only stimulated our minds but also ignited our courage to imagine a more just and sustainable world. 
Though we lost Örsan Öymen many years ago, his untimely death at the peak of his career and the subsequent transformations in Turkish journalism, particularly at Milliyet, with which he was closely associated, make it feel as though he is still among us. Beyond his legacy in journalistic ethics, Örsan Öymen left us another gift: his son, Örsan Kunter Öymen, who was only 22 when his father passed away. Known occasionally for his political activities, Örsan Kunter Öymen has, as a philosopher, been quietly laying the foundations of a significant intellectual edifice for years. He is truly honoring his father’s legacy.
Located in the relatively unspoiled North Aegean, Assos is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its unique place in the history of world thought. This ancient city, once home to Aristotle, has largely preserved its physical structure while resiliently carrying its intellectual heritage into the present, defying the ravages of time. Assos’ identity as a hub of philosophy continues through the philosophy meetings that have been held for 25 years. This year, I had the opportunity to participate in these traditional gatherings for the first time. When I learned that the program blended philosophy with political economy, I didn’t hesitate to join.Organized twice a year by the Philosophy, Science, and Art Association, founded by Örsan Öymen, the event takes place in English during the summer and in Turkish during the winter.
Participants apply via email, and acceptance notifications are sent the same way. While the event is free, participants are encouraged to contribute as much as they can. The four-day program is structured as follows: the first day is for orientation and greeting, the second and third days are dedicated to seminars, and the final day includes a visit to the Troy Museum and archaeological site. Each evening, discussions continue over meals at Assos’ charming restaurants.
On the first day, participants gather at the Assos Ancient City, exploring the site together despite the heat. Afterward, they bond over wine at the Aristotle Camp near the Aristotle statue. However, drinking wine in the ancient city is strictly prohibited—an ironic rule in the land of the wine god. Örsan Öymen greets us in front of the Aristotle statue at the entrance to the ancient city, weaving the story of the statue’s installation with his experiences designing these philosophy meetings. Learning that the statue stands there thanks to his efforts is no surprise for me.
The seminar program is exceptionally rich and intensive for those interested in political economy. Örsan Öymen, along with seven other speakers, addresses contemporary societal issues from a Marxist perspective, though without blindly favoring Marxism. Öymen’s legacy does not merely survive through these meetings; it generates new questions and hopes, shaping the future. Once again, Assos demonstrates that philosophy is not only a relic of the past but also a compass for today and tomorrow.
The first speaker, Daniel Little from the University of Michigan, could not attend in person due to health issues, but Örsan Öymen presents his talk, titled “The Future of Work and Property-Owning Democracy.” Little argues that reducing capitalism’s inequalities requires distributing property to society. He notes that the middle class is shrinking, with 1% of the world’s population holding 30.8% of global wealth, while half the population survives with just 2.5%. The sci-fi vision of a robot-dominated world has given way to workers turned into robots. His solution involves workers demanding reforms, taxing the wealthy, and using those resources to democratize property ownership.
Little’s reformist approach is followed by Larry Udell from West Chester University with his presentation, “The Production Function and Justice Theory.” Udell emphasizes the necessity of full employment, proposing solutions such as ensuring jobs for all, taxing higher income groups, and, if necessary, reducing working hours. For him, self-respect is only possible for those who work.
After these optimistic presentations, Sina Badiei from the University of Strasbourg offers a more realistic perspective with his talk, “Neoliberalism and Critical Determinations on Capitalism.” The Iranian-born researcher questions the “neo” in neoliberalism, exclaiming, “This is just capitalism!” and rejecting conventional frameworks. Arguing that neoliberalism is pure capitalism, Badiei critiques Milton Friedman’s emphasis on freedom using what I call the “ox/butterfly” allegory. In the second part of his presentation, he highlights the superficiality of Marxist critiques of capitalism. At this point, I recall the AKP’s Ziraat Bank general manager who prides about providing 72% of loans—a command economy preference cloaked in Friedman’s freedom rhetoric, reminding me again of the ox/butterfly allegory. Paraphrasing Woody Allen: Don’t tell my voters I’m running a command economy; they think I’m a conservative rightist.
At the end of the first day, Raphael Van Riel from the University of Duisburg discusses “The Cultural Issue of Political Economy,” examining the infrastructure-superstructure relationship through the lens of Germany. He notes that nationalism is rising not only in poor neighborhoods but also in Germany’s affluent districts.
After an intense day, we gather at the Ancient Harbor, soothing our minds with grape-based drinks, both anise-flavored and not.
The second day begins with Andrew Chitty from the University of Sussex and his presentation, “Will the Market Mechanism Lead to Communism?” Challenging the communist claim that capitalism carries the seeds of its own destruction, Chitty argues that the path to socialism is not so straightforward, leaving us slightly pessimistic.
Next, Giovanni Giorgini from the University of Bologna restores hope with his talk, “An Ancient Alternative to Capitalism: Aristotle, Marx, Marcuse.” He connects Aristotle’s distinction between natural and unnatural gain to Marx’s theory of alienation, suggesting that Aristotle laid a Marxist foundation by questioning profit for profit’s sake. Giorgini ties this to Marcuse’s 20th-century critique of capitalist greed. I don’t take Marcuse’s cyclist metaphor personally—career mountains don’t interest me. May they be granted to those who chase them.
Örsan Öymen’s presentation, “The Future of Marx,” offers a narrative akin to “This is your story, listen well,” summarizing human history.
The final presentation, by Fabien Tarrit from the University of Reims, titled “Marxism and the Anthropocene,” discusses ecologism and degrowth theories. As someone interested in environmental issues, I listened closely. With a nod to Keito Sato, this talk conceptualizes the last exit for the planet and humanity’s future. It immediately brings to mind Perfect Day and the cheerful toilet cleaner.
The intensive intellectual program concludes with a visit to Troy. At the final dinner, as participants bid farewell, the ideas and friendships forged leave an indelible mark.
This four-day philosophical journey in Assos united Örsan Öymen’s legacy of truth-seeking, rooted in his journalistic ethics, with the intellectual platform built by his son, Örsan Kunter Öymen, in Aristotle’s footsteps. Discussions spanning the crises of capitalism to ecological limits, from Marxism to ancient philosophy, not only stimulated our minds but also ignited our courage to imagine a more just and sustainable world. The conversations echoing through the stones of the ancient city, the friendships shared over wine glasses, and the steps taken on Troy’s history-laden soil reminded us that thought remains a transformative force. Öymen’s legacy does not merely survive through these meetings; it generates new questions and hopes, shaping the future. Once again, Assos proves that philosophy is not only a relic of the past but also a compass for today and tomorrow.
Though we lost Örsan Öymen many years ago, his untimely death at the peak of his career and the subsequent transformations in Turkish journalism, particularly at Milliyet, with which he was closely associated, make it feel as though he is still among us. Beyond his legacy in journalistic ethics, Örsan Öymen left us another gift: his son, Örsan Kunter Öymen, who was only 22 when his father passed away. Known occasionally for his political activities, Örsan Kunter Öymen has, as a philosopher, been quietly laying the foundations of a significant intellectual edifice for years. He is truly honoring his father’s legacy.
Located in the relatively unspoiled North Aegean, Assos is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its unique place in the history of world thought. This ancient city, once home to Aristotle, has largely preserved its physical structure while resiliently carrying its intellectual heritage into the present, defying the ravages of time. Assos’ identity as a hub of philosophy continues through the philosophy meetings that have been held for 25 years. This year, I had the opportunity to participate in these traditional gatherings for the first time. When I learned that the program blended philosophy with political economy, I didn’t hesitate to join.Organized twice a year by the Philosophy, Science, and Art Association, founded by Örsan Öymen, the event takes place in English during the summer and in Turkish during the winter.
Participants apply via email, and acceptance notifications are sent the same way. While the event is free, participants are encouraged to contribute as much as they can. The four-day program is structured as follows: the first day is for orientation and greeting, the second and third days are dedicated to seminars, and the final day includes a visit to the Troy Museum and archaeological site. Each evening, discussions continue over meals at Assos’ charming restaurants.
On the first day, participants gather at the Assos Ancient City, exploring the site together despite the heat. Afterward, they bond over wine at the Aristotle Camp near the Aristotle statue. However, drinking wine in the ancient city is strictly prohibited—an ironic rule in the land of the wine god. Örsan Öymen greets us in front of the Aristotle statue at the entrance to the ancient city, weaving the story of the statue’s installation with his experiences designing these philosophy meetings. Learning that the statue stands there thanks to his efforts is no surprise for me.
The seminar program is exceptionally rich and intensive for those interested in political economy. Örsan Öymen, along with seven other speakers, addresses contemporary societal issues from a Marxist perspective, though without blindly favoring Marxism. Öymen’s legacy does not merely survive through these meetings; it generates new questions and hopes, shaping the future. Once again, Assos demonstrates that philosophy is not only a relic of the past but also a compass for today and tomorrow.
The first speaker, Daniel Little from the University of Michigan, could not attend in person due to health issues, but Örsan Öymen presents his talk, titled “The Future of Work and Property-Owning Democracy.” Little argues that reducing capitalism’s inequalities requires distributing property to society. He notes that the middle class is shrinking, with 1% of the world’s population holding 30.8% of global wealth, while half the population survives with just 2.5%. The sci-fi vision of a robot-dominated world has given way to workers turned into robots. His solution involves workers demanding reforms, taxing the wealthy, and using those resources to democratize property ownership.
Little’s reformist approach is followed by Larry Udell from West Chester University with his presentation, “The Production Function and Justice Theory.” Udell emphasizes the necessity of full employment, proposing solutions such as ensuring jobs for all, taxing higher income groups, and, if necessary, reducing working hours. For him, self-respect is only possible for those who work.
After these optimistic presentations, Sina Badiei from the University of Strasbourg offers a more realistic perspective with his talk, “Neoliberalism and Critical Determinations on Capitalism.” The Iranian-born researcher questions the “neo” in neoliberalism, exclaiming, “This is just capitalism!” and rejecting conventional frameworks. Arguing that neoliberalism is pure capitalism, Badiei critiques Milton Friedman’s emphasis on freedom using what I call the “ox/butterfly” allegory. In the second part of his presentation, he highlights the superficiality of Marxist critiques of capitalism. At this point, I recall the AKP’s Ziraat Bank general manager who prides about providing 72% of loans—a command economy preference cloaked in Friedman’s freedom rhetoric, reminding me again of the ox/butterfly allegory. Paraphrasing Woody Allen: Don’t tell my voters I’m running a command economy; they think I’m a conservative rightist.
At the end of the first day, Raphael Van Riel from the University of Duisburg discusses “The Cultural Issue of Political Economy,” examining the infrastructure-superstructure relationship through the lens of Germany. He notes that nationalism is rising not only in poor neighborhoods but also in Germany’s affluent districts.
After an intense day, we gather at the Ancient Harbor, soothing our minds with grape-based drinks, both anise-flavored and not.
The second day begins with Andrew Chitty from the University of Sussex and his presentation, “Will the Market Mechanism Lead to Communism?” Challenging the communist claim that capitalism carries the seeds of its own destruction, Chitty argues that the path to socialism is not so straightforward, leaving us slightly pessimistic.
Next, Giovanni Giorgini from the University of Bologna restores hope with his talk, “An Ancient Alternative to Capitalism: Aristotle, Marx, Marcuse.” He connects Aristotle’s distinction between natural and unnatural gain to Marx’s theory of alienation, suggesting that Aristotle laid a Marxist foundation by questioning profit for profit’s sake. Giorgini ties this to Marcuse’s 20th-century critique of capitalist greed. I don’t take Marcuse’s cyclist metaphor personally—career mountains don’t interest me. May they be granted to those who chase them.
Örsan Öymen’s presentation, “The Future of Marx,” offers a narrative akin to “This is your story, listen well,” summarizing human history.
The final presentation, by Fabien Tarrit from the University of Reims, titled “Marxism and the Anthropocene,” discusses ecologism and degrowth theories. As someone interested in environmental issues, I listened closely. With a nod to Keito Sato, this talk conceptualizes the last exit for the planet and humanity’s future. It immediately brings to mind Perfect Day and the cheerful toilet cleaner.
The intensive intellectual program concludes with a visit to Troy. At the final dinner, as participants bid farewell, the ideas and friendships forged leave an indelible mark.
This four-day philosophical journey in Assos united Örsan Öymen’s legacy of truth-seeking, rooted in his journalistic ethics, with the intellectual platform built by his son, Örsan Kunter Öymen, in Aristotle’s footsteps. Discussions spanning the crises of capitalism to ecological limits, from Marxism to ancient philosophy, not only stimulated our minds but also ignited our courage to imagine a more just and sustainable world. The conversations echoing through the stones of the ancient city, the friendships shared over wine glasses, and the steps taken on Troy’s history-laden soil reminded us that thought remains a transformative force. Öymen’s legacy does not merely survive through these meetings; it generates new questions and hopes, shaping the future. Once again, Assos proves that philosophy is not only a relic of the past but also a compass for today and tomorrow.
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