Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

Plato of Athens, with Robin Waterfield

Jun 22, 2023

In this discussion, Robin Waterfield, a renowned British classicist and translator of Plato, dives into the life and philosophy of the iconic thinker. He outlines Plato’s enduring significance in modern times and debates the Socratic Problem—how much of Socrates can be separated from Plato's works. Waterfield also tackles the eclectic nature of Plato's Academy, the influence of Pythagoreanism, and how Plato would approach issues like social media today. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the existential question of suffering and purpose.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Philosophy as Divine Pursuit

Plato saw philosophy as the best way of life, feeding the divine part of human nature.
Philosophy is an open-ended pursuit beginning with curiosity and wonder, leading to assimilation to God.

ADVICE

Start Plato with Accessible Dialogues

Start reading Plato with accessible works like The Apology or the Symposium.
Good translations make Plato’s dialogues engaging and rewarding at any background level.

INSIGHT

Plato Encourages Independent Thought

Plato's early dialogues often end without clear answers to provoke independent thinking.
He encourages readers to question arguments and develop their own philosophical views.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The Republic

Plato

The Apology

The Defense of Socrates

Plato

In 'The Apology,' Plato presents Socrates' defense against the charges of impiety and corrupting the youth. Socrates argues that he is innocent and that his actions are divinely inspired, as indicated by the Oracle at Delphi. He defends his method of questioning and exposing the ignorance of others, which he believes is a service to the state. Despite his defense, Socrates is found guilty and sentenced to death. The dialogue is a powerful critique of the Athenian justice system and a testament to Socrates' commitment to his philosophical principles.

Symposium

Plato

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[1][2][5].

Philebus

Plato

Plato's "Philebus" is a dialogue exploring the nature of pleasure and the good life. It examines different conceptions of pleasure, distinguishing between pure and mixed pleasures. The dialogue features a discussion on the role of reason and moderation in achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Plato argues that a life guided by reason and virtue is superior to one solely focused on pleasure. The work's enduring significance lies in its exploration of fundamental questions about happiness, ethics, and the ideal human life.

Meno

Plato

Plato's "Meno" is a philosophical dialogue exploring the nature of knowledge and virtue. The dialogue features Socrates' discussion with Meno, a young man who questions whether virtue can be taught. Socrates employs his famous method of questioning to challenge Meno's assumptions and to explore the possibility of innate knowledge. The dialogue introduces the theory of anamnesis, suggesting that learning is a process of recollecting pre-existing knowledge. "Meno" is a significant work in the history of philosophy, raising fundamental questions about epistemology and ethics. It continues to be studied and debated for its insights into the nature of knowledge and the human condition.

Phaedrus

Plato

Laws

Plato

In 'The Laws,' Plato presents a comprehensive dialogue on the establishment and governance of an ideal state. The dialogue involves three characters: the Athenian Stranger, Clinias from Crete, and Megillus from Sparta. It discusses the purpose of laws as instruments to cultivate virtue and ensure the harmony of the state, rather than merely regulating behavior. The text outlines a detailed framework for the structure of government, including a mixed constitution balancing monarchy and democracy, and the role of the Nocturnal Council in ensuring ethical and legal standards. Plato also addresses the importance of moral education, the regulation of family and economic activities, and the distribution of wealth to prevent social unrest. The dialogue emphasizes the integration of moral principles with legal directives and the role of religion in fostering social cohesion and moral development. The ultimate goal of the state, according to Plato, is to create an environment where citizens can live virtuously and happily, with laws that promote the highest good and align individual interests with the collective welfare[1][4][5].

Theaetetus

Benjamin Jowett

Plato

In 'Theaetetus', Plato delves into the question of what constitutes knowledge, examining three definitions: knowledge as perception, true judgment, and true judgment with an account. Through Socratic dialogue, Plato critiques these definitions, ultimately concluding that none are satisfactory. The dialogue is a seminal work on epistemology, highlighting the challenges of defining knowledge.

Memorabilia

Xenophon

Xenophon's 'Memorabilia' is a collection of anecdotes and dialogues that portray the life and teachings of Socrates. Written in the 4th century BC, it offers valuable insights into Socratic philosophy and its impact on ancient Greece. The work presents Socrates as a teacher who used questioning and critical thinking to challenge conventional wisdom and encourage self-examination. Through vivid accounts of conversations and events, Xenophon captures the essence of Socratic thought and its enduring relevance. 'Memorabilia' remains a significant historical and philosophical text, providing a rich understanding of one of history's most influential thinkers.

Gorgias

Plató

Gorgias es un diálogo de Platón que explora la naturaleza de la retórica, la justicia y el bien. El diálogo presenta una discusión entre Sócrates y Gorgias, un sofista conocido por su habilidad retórica. Platón critica la retórica vacía y argumenta que la verdadera justicia se basa en el conocimiento del bien. Gorgias es un ejemplo de la crítica de Platón a la sofística y su búsqueda de la verdad. Su impacto radica en su exploración de la retórica y su relación con la justicia.

The statesman

Sir Henry Taylor

Plato's "The Statesman" is a dialogue that explores the nature of true statesmanship and the ideal form of government. It delves into the characteristics of a skilled ruler, contrasting them with those of a tyrant or demagogue. The dialogue uses analogies and metaphors to illustrate the complexities of governance and the challenges of achieving justice and order. It examines the relationship between knowledge, power, and the common good. The dialogue's exploration of leadership and governance remains relevant in contemporary political discourse.

Phaedo

Benjamin Jowett

Plató

In this dialogue, Plato presents his metaphysical, psychological, and epistemological views through the conversations of Socrates and his friends on the day of his execution. The dialogue includes four arguments for the immortality of the soul, discussions on the theory of Forms, and Socrates' account of his final hours. It is a key work in Plato's middle period, combining profound philosophy with a vivid narrative of Socrates' last day[1][4][5].

Plato of Athens

Robin Waterfield

Axiochus

Plato

Plato's "Axiochus" is a dialogue that explores the nature of death and the afterlife. The dialogue features Socrates' discussions with Axiochus, a young man who is contemplating death. Socrates offers comfort and guidance, exploring the nature of the soul and its relationship to the body. Axiochus is a profound exploration of life, death, and the nature of reality, offering a compelling case for the soul's continued existence after death. It remains a significant text in philosophy and theology.

Fighting Fantasy

Steve Jackson

Sir Ian Livingstone

Clouds

Aristophanes

Aristophanes' "Clouds" is a comedic play that satirizes Socrates and the intellectual movements of his time. The play presents a caricature of Socrates, portraying him as a sophist who teaches young men to argue fallaciously. While not a historically accurate portrayal, "Clouds" offers a glimpse into the public perception of Socrates and the intellectual climate of ancient Athens. The play's humor and satirical elements provide a contrasting perspective to the more serious philosophical works of Plato and Xenophon. It remains a valuable source for understanding the social and intellectual context of Socrates' life.

Parmenides

Plato

Plato's "Parmenides" is a dialogue that presents a series of challenging arguments against Plato's own theory of Forms. Parmenides, a pre-Socratic philosopher, raises objections to the theory, prompting Socrates and others to grapple with its implications. The dialogue explores the complexities of metaphysical concepts and the difficulties of formulating coherent theories of reality. Parmenides is a sophisticated exploration of metaphysics and logic, demonstrating Plato's willingness to engage with criticisms of his own ideas. It remains a challenging but rewarding text for those interested in the intricacies of philosophical debate.

Venus on the Half Shell

Kilgore Trout

Sophist

Benjamin Jowett

Plato

Plato's "Sophist" is a dialogue that delves into the nature of being and the definition of various concepts, including the sophist. Socrates and his interlocutors engage in a complex discussion about the nature of reality and the different ways of understanding it. The dialogue explores the relationship between being and non-being, and the challenges of defining abstract concepts. The Sophist is a sophisticated exploration of metaphysics and epistemology, offering insights into the nature of knowledge and the limitations of human understanding. It remains a challenging but rewarding text for those interested in the intricacies of philosophical inquiry.

Rebel planet

Robin Waterfield