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Among the Ancients II: Plato
May 24, 2024
Emily Wilson, Professor of Classical Studies, and the hosts discuss Plato's Symposium, exploring themes of love and Eros. They delve into Plato's life, influence, and the historical context of Athens. The disastrous Sicilian expedition and themes of moderation and desires are also analyzed.
11:31
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Quick takeaways
- Plato's Symposium explores love and Athenian intellectuals, revealing Socrates as influential yet controversial.
- Plato aimed to influence rulers through his philosophical works, establishing the Academy to propagate Socratic teachings.
Deep dives
Plato's Symposium: Historical Context and Characters
Plato's Symposium is a philosophical dialogue on love (Eros) set in 416 BC, exploring the figure of Socrates and his circle. The dialogue, focusing on a drinking party where Socrates and his acquaintances discuss love, delves into historical figures like Alcibiades and the impending Sicilian expedition. The small, interconnected world of Athenian intellectuals is revealed, with Socrates portrayed as a central yet controversial figure shaping the youth.
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