#1129 Agnes Callard - Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life

Jul 28, 2025

Agnes Callard, an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago and author of Open Socrates, explores the essence of a philosophical life. She delves into Socratic wisdom, contrasting it with Tolstoy's existential dilemmas, emphasizing the importance of asking 'why.' Callard promotes communal philosophical inquiry as key to addressing profound life questions. She also discusses ethics, the art of love, and the craft of politics, advocating for a reflective lifestyle that embraces inquiry and deep understanding.

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INSIGHT

Socratic Optimism on Self-Inquiry

Socrates encourages us to question the foundations of our lives, like who we are and what our goals are.
He embodies an optimistic belief that progress in understanding these questions is possible and worthwhile.

ANECDOTE

Tolstoy’s Crisis on Life's Meaning

Tolstoy experienced a crisis questioning the meaning of his successful life, leading to despair and suicidal thoughts.
He found the most important life questions unanswerable, contrasting Socrates' hopeful inquiry.

INSIGHT

Social Nature of Philosophical Inquiry

Socrates' optimism about inquiry stems from seeing it as a social process done with others.
Tolstoy's despair arises from assuming such inquiry must be done alone, which makes it hopeless.

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Dr. Agnes Callard is an Associate Professor in Philosophy at the University of Chicago. She received her BA from the University of Chicago in 1997 and her PhD from Berkeley in 2008. Her primary areas of specialization are Ancient Philosophy and Ethics. She is the author of Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life.

In this episode, we focus on Open Socrates. We talk about Socratism, Tolstoy’s untimely questions, how we should live, and the values and paradoxes of inquiry, open-mindedness, and truth-seeking. We discuss the ethics of Socrates, and Socratic ignorance and expertise. Finally, we talk about the art of love, the craft of politics, preparing for death, and making a case for a philosophical life.

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