Why philosophy needs to ditch class, and go to a pub

The Symposium is a philosophical dialogue written by Plato around 370 BCE. It depicts a friendly contest of extemporaneous speeches given by a group of notable Athenian men, including Socrates, Alcibiades, and Aristophanes, in praise of Eros, the god of love. The dialogue is structured as a series of speeches, each developing the ideas of the previous one, and culminates in Socrates' speech, which recounts his conversation with the wise woman Diotima. The work explores various aspects of love, including its benefits, its connection to philosophy, and its role in human happiness. The setting is a banquet at the house of the tragedian Agathon, where the men engage in drinking and conversation, leading to heartfelt and noble speeches about love.

Lewis Gordon's "Fear of Black Consciousness" delves into the complexities of race, identity, and power in contemporary society. Gordon challenges conventional understandings of racism, arguing that anti-Blackness operates on a systemic level, shaping not only political and economic structures but also individual consciousness. He explores the concept of Black consciousness, distinguishing between a lowercase "b" form, which is a product of anti-Black racism, and an uppercase "B" form, which is a liberatory and politically active response. The book draws on existentialist philosophy and psychoanalysis to illuminate the psychological and existential dimensions of racial oppression. Gordon's work offers a powerful critique of existing power structures and a vision for a more just and equitable future.