Jacob Howland, a philosophy professor at the University of Tulsa and author of Glaucon’s Fate, dives into the rich themes of Plato’s Republic. He unveils how Socrates aimed to guide Glaucon's moral journey, while intertwining notions of manliness and education. The conversation explores the balance of physical courage and intellectual bravery, urging listeners to grapple with hard questions in today's climate. Plus, discover the relevance of Plato's ideals to our understanding of justice and personal integrity.
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Glaucon's Early Ambition
Xenophon recounts Glaucon's youthful ambition, speaking in the Athenian assembly before he was even a citizen.
His relatives had to pull him down, highlighting his early thirst for power.
insights INSIGHT
Greek Manliness and Fear of Shame
Ancient Greek manliness (andreia) was often rooted in the fear of shame, driving warriors like Hector to fight even when facing certain death.
This contrasts with Socratic courage, emphasizing doing what's right regardless of public opinion.
insights INSIGHT
Socratic Manliness
Socrates, a distinguished warrior himself, redefined manliness as the courage to uphold justice despite potential consequences, like his own execution.
This contrasts with the traditional Greek emphasis on physical courage and battlefield glory.
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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.
Plato's Republic
Plato
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.
The Art of Manliness 
