Here & Now Anytime Is Plato woke? Texas professor banned from teaching ‘Symposium’
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Jan 16, 2026 In this engaging discussion, Martin Peterson, a philosophy professor at Texas A&M University, delves into the implications of banning Plato's 'Symposium,' warning it jeopardizes academic freedom. Music journalist Alan Paul pays tribute to Bob Weir’s unique rhythm guitar style that shaped the Grateful Dead’s sound, contrasting it with other musical influences. Dr. Michael Stacey, interim health officer for Sonoma County, sheds light on the dangers of death cap mushrooms after recent poisonings, urging caution among foragers while sharing essential health advice.
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Plato's Educational Importance
- Martin Peterson argues Plato's Symposium is central to philosophy and harmless despite controversy.
- He says censoring it under a race and gender ban is deeply problematic for university teaching.
Technical Rule, Substantive Harm
- Peterson notes the university's new rule technically fits because Symposium discusses gender.
- He finds that technical correctness insufficient and says students lose essential material when it's removed.
Irony In Classical Appeals
- Peterson highlights an irony: conservatives praise the classics but often misunderstand Plato's writings.
- He suggests critics who call to 'return to the classics' likely haven't actually read Plato.
