

#419 - Meghan Sullivan & Paul Blaschko - A Philosopher's Guide To The Good Life
6 snips Jan 8, 2022
Join Meghan Sullivan and Paul Blaschko, Philosophy professors at the University of Notre Dame, as they explore the essence of a good life. They discuss how wisdom trumps wealth, examining Socrates’ view on truth and fulfillment. The duo delves into Aristotelian virtues—truth, generosity, and love—encouraging personal reflection on living well. They tackle modern dilemmas of authenticity against societal pressure and highlight the importance of moral agency. Their insights reveal how history can guide us toward genuine happiness.
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Socratic Challenge
- Socrates challenged Athenians to prioritize wisdom and truth over wealth and reputation.
- This questioning, perceived as threatening to Athenian democracy, led to his trial and execution.
Socrates' Sacrifice
- Socrates, given the choice between silence and death, chose death, valuing truth above life.
- He believed the unexamined life wasn't worth living, highlighting the importance of continuous questioning.
Modern Socratic Parallels
- Philosophy professors in Hong Kong face jail for teaching about democracy.
- This highlights the importance of defending the right to question and seek truth, even when facing adversity.