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Intoxicated by Truth: Plato's Symposium with Alex Priou
Apr 3, 2025
In this engaging conversation, philosopher Alex Priou delves into Plato's Symposium, revealing how Socrates captivates despite his unconventional appearance. They discuss the intoxicating nature of authentic love versus the pitfalls of desire, emphasizing philosophy's role as a 'cold shower' for temptation. Priou highlights the dynamic relationships among key figures like Aristophanes and Alcibiades, exploring love's complexities. The chat also touches on the evolving landscape of academia, urging scholars to blend depth with accessibility in their writing.
01:17:56
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Quick takeaways
- Plato's Symposium illustrates that authentic love, akin to the pursuit of truth, can evoke similar intoxicating experiences and risk-taking.
- Socrates' disruptive intellectual inquiries at social gatherings reveal a complex interplay between truth-seeking and the discomfort of social conventions.
Deep dives
The Nature of Love and Intoxication
Love is viewed as a profound desire connected to the truth of its object, where the pursuit of truth may evoke similar intoxicating experiences as love itself. This intoxicating pursuit, deeply echoed in philosophical thought, aligns with Plato's idea that true love propels one towards the profound and impactful, even if it entails risks. Socrates demonstrates that this passion for truth can lead to a captivating charm, making one both admired and respected, despite a lack of conventional attractiveness. This dichotomy serves to illustrate that the depth of love, akin to robust philosophical inquiry, often outweighs superficial qualities.
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