Donald Robertson, an author and expert on Stoic philosophy, dives into the complexities of Socrates and his impact on practical philosophy. He explores Socrates' role in making philosophy accessible, alongside the intriguing life of Alcibiades, a figure torn between ambition and societal pressures. The conversation highlights the debate between Socrates and Protagoras on the teachability of virtue, raising questions about ethics and education. Plus, hear participants' transformative experiences from the Daily Stoic New Year Challenge!
Socrates transformed philosophy into a practical tool for everyday life, emphasizing self-examination and the importance of questioning assumptions.
The podcast debates whether wisdom and virtue can be taught, focusing on the relationship between knowledge, action, and character cultivation.
Deep dives
Accessibility of Virtual Therapy
Virtual therapy is increasingly recognized for its accessibility and convenience, addressing common excuses people may have for not seeking help. Providers like Talkspace allow individuals to connect with licensed therapists online and achieve personalized treatment from anywhere, making it easier to engage with mental health resources. This approach eliminates barriers related to time, travel, and stigma, as therapy can be accessed from the comfort of one's home. The capability to communicate with therapists via text offers continuous support, enhancing the overall therapeutic experience.
Socrates and His Practical Philosophy
Socrates is often celebrated for making philosophy practical and relevant to everyday life, embodying the pursuit of wisdom and self-examination. His teachings emphasized the importance of questioning assumptions and engaging in dialogue to uncover deeper truths, a method exemplified in his often paradoxical lifestyle and discussions with others. The podcast explores Socrates’ encounters, such as his observations of the ambitious youth Alcibiades, highlighting themes of ambition and the nature of virtue. By challenging the status quo and exposing contradictions in thinking, Socrates laid the groundwork for critical philosophical inquiry.
Protagoras and the Nature of Virtue
Protagoras, a celebrated Sophist, claimed to teach wisdom and virtue, stirring debate about whether these qualities can indeed be imparted. His famous assertion, 'Man is the measure of all things,' suggests a human-centered approach to understanding ethics and morality. However, Socrates counters this claim, questioning the effectiveness of formal teachings on virtue, particularly in the context of leaders and their children failing to embody the qualities they are taught. The ensuing dialogue illustrates the complex relationship between knowledge, action, and the cultivation of character, raising timeless questions about moral education.
💡 The Daily Stoic New Year, New You Challenge is 3 weeks of ALL-NEW, actionable challenges, presented in an email per day, built around the best, most timeless wisdom in Stoic philosophy, to help you create a better life, and a new you in 2025. Why 3 weeks? Because it takes human beings 21 days to build new habits and skills, to create the muscle memory of making beautiful choices each and every day.