Winning & Losing, Plato Scroll, the Decline of Nightlife
May 4, 2024
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Political scientist Lea Ypi, journalist Peter Hitchens, lawyer Michael Mansfield KC, and Olympian Cath Bishop discuss the philosophy of winning and losing. They explore Plato's last evening, the decline of nightlife culture, and the importance of redefining success beyond traditional notions of competition.
New primary sources reveal Plato's potential enslavement, impacting his philosophical views on freedom and reason.
Disco music in academic spaces like the BBC Proms signifies broader acceptance of diverse genres and cultural significance.
Societal tensions between music preferences reflect subjective appreciation and the need for diverse musical expressions.
Deep dives
Plato's Journey Through Slavery and Philosophical Evolution
The discovery of new primary sources challenges the previous narratives about Plato's life, including details about a potential period of enslavement. This revelation sheds new light on Plato's early years and the possible influence of slavery on his philosophical views, such as the concepts of freedom, reason, and passions. Additionally, the new text offers insights into other Greek philosophical schools, enriching our understanding of ancient philosophy.
Disco's Integration into Scholarly Circles and Cultural Significance
The inclusion of disco music in academic settings like the BBC Proms signals a broader acceptance and appreciation of diverse musical genres. Disco represents more than just music, serving as a symbol of freedom, liberation, and social connection, particularly in areas lacking vibrant nightlife. The embrace of disco in intellectual spaces challenges traditional musical hierarchies, emphasizing the importance of context and cultural significance.
Controversy Surrounding Music Taste and Cultural Definitions
The debate over musical preferences reflects deeper societal tensions between varying tastes and values. While some prefer classical music like Beethoven, others find joy and meaning in genres like disco. The conversation highlights the subjective nature of music appreciation and the need to embrace diverse musical expressions without imposing rigid judgments.
Impact of COVID-19 on Nightlife and Social Connectivity
The prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to the closure of numerous bars and clubs, threatening the vibrancy of nightlife and community engagement. The loss of social spaces like nightclubs has intensified feelings of social isolation and disrupted avenues for human connection. There is an urgent need to address the psychological impact of prolonged remote interactions and reinvigorate social environments to combat feelings of detachment.
Scratch Card Winnings Donated to a Good Cause
Amidst the lively discussion on diverse topics, a scratch card win of £10 prompts a decision to donate the winnings to a charitable cause. The act of giving back reflects a spirit of generosity and solidarity within the group, embodying the essence of free thinking and community support.
Matthew Sweet talks about the philosophy of winning and losing with Professor Lea Ypi a political scientist at the London School of Economics and the journalist and author Peter Hitchens. They'll be joined by the lawyer Michael Mansfield KC who has headed some of the biggest legal cases in recent history - including the Birmingham Six, the Bloody Sunday massacre and the Hillsborough disaster and also by Cath Bishop a triple Olympian, former British diplomat, leadership and culture coach. Cath is the author 'The Long Win' which examines how we define success in sport, business, education and life.
Professor Graziano Ranocchia, of the University of Pisa will talk about the discovery of an ancient scroll which contains a previously unknown narrative detailing how the Greek philosopher Plato spent his last evening, describing how he listened to music played on a flute by a Thracian slave girl. The team discuss how our understanding of history is altered as new artefacts or evidence emerge.
And they consider the cultural role of nightlife against a backdrop of record closures of music venues, nightclubs and pubs.
Presenter: Matthew Sweet
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Studio Manager: Tim Heffer
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