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Hidden Brain

What Would Socrates Do?

Dec 25, 2023
Tamar Gendler, a Yale philosopher, dives into the timeless insights of ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates and Aristotle. She discusses how Socratic wisdom reveals the gap between intention and action, urging self-reflection to align one's values with behaviors. Gendler highlights the 'divided self' concept, exploring internal conflicts that shape identity. With humor, she illustrates how understanding these complexities can guide us through modern challenges, emphasizing that ancient philosophies still hold invaluable lessons for today's dilemmas.
50:27

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Socrates highlights the importance of self-examination to understand our actions and align them with our true intentions.
  • Plato's exploration of the divided self illustrates the need for harmony among our internal motivations to lead a fulfilling life.

Deep dives

The Quest for Wisdom Across Time

Humans have long sought answers to fundamental questions about happiness and purpose, often looking to contemporary sources for guidance. However, there is immense value in the insights of ancient thinkers who grappled with similar dilemmas. The podcast highlights the wisdom of five ancient Greek philosophers, which may offer profound lessons for modern life. By exploring their ideas, one can appreciate that the quest for understanding and fulfillment transcends time, connecting us with thinkers from centuries past.

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