The Art of Manliness What Plato’s Republic Has to Say About Being a Man
In this conversation with Jacob Howland, a philosophy professor at the University of Tulsa, we dive deep into Plato's Republic and its insights on manliness. Howland argues that Socrates' quest to save Glaucon teaches us the essence of true courage—both physical and intellectual—in today's world. He contrasts traditional heroism with Socratic ideals, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and moral integrity. Their discussion highlights the relevance of philosophical dialogue in navigating modern challenges and the quest for a meaningful life.
01:13:42
Glaucon's Early Ambition
- Xenophon recounts Glaucon's youthful political ambition, speaking at the Athenian assembly before he was even a citizen.
- His relatives had to pull him down, showcasing his premature drive for power.
Greek Manliness
- Ancient Greek manliness (andreia) emphasized ambition, glory, and power.
- Glaucon embodied this ideal, seeking public recognition and influence.
The Root of Greek Courage
- Traditional Greek manliness, focused on battlefield glory and revenge, was rooted in the fear of being seen as a coward.
- Socrates championed a different ideal: courage to do what's right, regardless of public opinion.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Exploring Plato's Philosophy
02:58 • 26min
Exploring the Contrasts of Ancient Greek Manliness
29:11 • 5min
The Consequences of Glory and Friendship in the Iliad
34:02 • 6min
Socratic Manhood: Philosophy and Integrity
39:49 • 23min
Rekindling Curiosity in Education
01:02:34 • 7min
Glaucon's Dilemma: Power and Philosophy
01:09:38 • 9min
Plato's Republic
Plato
Plato's Symposium
Benjamin 1817-1893 Jowett
Plato
In this dialogue, Plato presents a discussion on the concept of love (eros) among a group of Athenian intellectuals, including Socrates, Phaedrus, Aristophanes, and Alcibiades. The dialogue delves into various dimensions of love, such as its relationship to beauty, virtue, and wisdom. It challenges conventional views on love and presents a philosophical exploration of its role in achieving a good and virtuous life. The work is set at the house of Agathon, a tragic poet, and features a series of praise speeches that reflect different viewpoints on love[1][3][4].
The Iliad
Homer
The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector[1][3][5].
Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle
The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life[1][2][4].
The Open Society and Its Enemies
The Spell of Plato
Karl Popper
Written during World War II and published in 1945, 'The Open Society and Its Enemies' is a seminal work in political philosophy. Karl Popper critiques the theories of teleological historicism espoused by Plato, Hegel, and Marx, arguing that these theories undermine individual freedom and pave the way for authoritarian regimes. The book defends the open society and liberal democracy, emphasizing the importance of critical rationalism, individual freedom, and the ethos of scientific inquiry in politics. It also discusses the challenges facing open societies, including totalitarianism, dogmatism, and relativism, and advocates for a piecemeal approach to social reform.
History of the Peloponnesian War
Thucydides
Written by Thucydides, this work is a detailed and insightful historical account of the Peloponnesian War. It chronicles the conflict between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Athenian Empire, emphasizing the significant impact of this war on Greek society. Thucydides outlines the historical context leading up to the war, tracing the evolution of Greek society and detailing the tensions and incidents that led to the conflict. The narrative examines key events, alliances, and the complex interplay of human ambition and political motivations during the war.
The Odyssey
Homer
The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.
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.
Beyond Good and Evil
Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future
Friedrich Nietzsche
In 'Beyond Good and Evil', Nietzsche challenges the traditional morality and philosophical thought of his time. He argues that the Christian world is steeped in a 'slave morality' that demonizes strength and domination, and instead proposes a philosophy that celebrates the present and the individual's 'will to power'. The book is known for its aphoristic style and its critique of past philosophers for their dogmatic premises. Nietzsche advocates for a new kind of philosopher who values imagination, self-assertion, and the creation of values, and he introduces the concept of 'perspective of life' which denies a universal morality for all human beings.
Glaucon's Fate
Jacob Howland
Glaucon's Fate offers a unique perspective on Plato's Republic by examining the historical and philosophical significance of Glaucon, Plato's brother. The book argues that Glaucon failed to adopt the philosophical life advocated by Socrates and instead joined the Thirty Tyrants, a brutal oligarchy in Athens. It provides a rich analysis of the dialogue's themes and their connection to Plato's personal experiences and the political turmoil of ancient Athens.
Journals and Notebooks
Journals and Notebooks
Søren Kierkegaard
The School of History
Athens in the Age of Socrates
Mark Munn
The School of History provides a thorough examination of Athens from 510 to 395 BCE, offering insights into the city's intellectual and political developments during the age of Socrates. The book is divided into three parts and draws upon extensive scholarship in history, literature, and archaeology.
Editor’s Note: This is a re-broadcast. This episode originally aired in April 2019.
Plato’s Republic is a seminal treatise in Western political philosophy and thought. It hits on ideas that we’re still grappling with in our own time, including the nature of justice and what the ideal political system looks like. But my guest today argues that The Republic also has a lot to say about manliness, character development, and education in our current climate of safe spaces and trigger warnings.
His name is Jacob Howland. He’s a professor of philosophy at the University of Tulsa and the author of the recent book Glaucon’s Fate: History, Myth, and Character in Plato’s Republic. We begin our conversation with an outline of Plato’s Republic and how it combines literature and philosophy. Jacob then makes the case that in The Republic, Socrates was attempting to save the soul of Plato’s politically ambitious brother, Glaucon, and why he thinks Socrates failed. Along the way we discuss what Socrates’ attempt to save Glaucon can teach us about andreia or manliness and what it means to seek the Good in life. We end our conversation discussing the way The Republic teaches us of the need to possess not only physical courage, but the courage to think for oneself and stand up for one’s beliefs — a courage that is tested in a time like our own, where it can feel difficult to ask hard questions and wrestle with thorny issues.
Get the show notes at aom.is/republic.