The Interdisciplinary Centre for Aristotle Studies (DIKAM) of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of Professor Myrto Dragona-Monachou, distinguished philosopher and a member of the Honorary Scientific Committee, an eminent figure of the academic community and public intellectual life, whose scholarly activity and recognition extended internationally.
Professor Myrto Dragona-Monachou offered her invaluable collaboration to DIKAM from the very first year of its establishment in 2011. She generously shared her profound knowledge of Aristotle and consistently responded with remarkable willingness and support to every invitation extended to her. Among her many contributions were her participation in the World Congress “Aristotle 2400 Years” in 2016, held at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ancient Stageira, and Ancient Mieza, as well as in DIKAM’s International Colloquia and in the lecture series entitled “ARISTOTLE TODAY” at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall.
Particularly moving was what she herself described as possibly her last lecture delivered in an academic setting. In December 2018, she responded to our invitation to participate in the “ARISTOTLE TODAY” lecture series at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. We feel especially fortunate to have preserved in our archives the video recording of this final lecture, entitled “Medicine in Aristotle’s Work and Contemporary Bioethics” (https://dikam.auth.gr/en/2018/12/19/myrto-dragona-monachou-medicine-in-aristotles-work-and-contemporary-bioethics/).
Professor Dragona-Monachou made invaluable contributions to the study of ancient Greek philosophy, particularly to the thought of Socrates, Aristotle, and the Stoics. Equally significant was her pioneering work in ethics, especially bioethics, as well as in the field of human rights, where she opened new avenues of research and public discourse in Greece.
In recognition of her distinguished contribution, she was awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of the Phoenix in 2015 by the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic during the presidency of Karolos Papoulias, as part of an initiative honouring distinguished women scientists.
The Interdisciplinary Centre for Aristotle Studies (DIKAM), AUTH, will always remember her with profound respect, gratitude, and affection.
May her memory be eternal.
Demetra Sfendoni-Mentzou
President
Interdisciplinary Centre for Aristotle Studies (DIKAM)
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Brief Bio (in Greek):
https://www.tch.gr/default.aspx?lang=en-US&page=44&id=3806
Press Coverage (Makedonia Newspaper-in Greek):
https://www.emakedonia.gr/efyge-apo-ti-zoi-i-diakekrimeni-kathigitria-filosofias-myrto-dragona-monachoy
