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Classical Wisdom Speaks
A Different Take on Plato
Feb 20, 2025
Join Alex Priou, Associate Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Austin and author of 'Musings on Plato’s Symposium', as he provides a fresh perspective on Plato's most playful dialogue, The Symposium. They discuss how a relaxed approach can take the stuffiness out of philosophy and highlight the joy of engaging with ancient texts. Priou argues for the importance of meaningful social interactions in philosophical discussions and reflects on the intriguing potential of lost philosophical texts that might offer deeper insights into ancient ideas.
31:15
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Quick takeaways
- Engaging with Plato's Symposium through a playful lens allows for deeper curiosity and personal connection beyond traditional academia.
- Recognizing the social contexts within the dialogue enriches understanding of philosophical themes and character motivations in the Symposium.
Deep dives
Engaging with Plato's Symposium
The discussion revolves around the idea of approaching Plato's Symposium in a non-scholarly manner, emphasizing the enjoyment of philosophy beyond academic rigor. An academic reflects on the contrasting experiences between engaging with philosophical works for pleasure versus the dry, exhaustive scholarly approach often found in traditional academia. By allowing a more relaxed forum for ideas, the conversation suggests that philosophy can be accessed through an enjoyable lens, which can provoke curiosity and deeper engagement with the subject matter. This method is particularly relevant given the Symposium's playful and seductive dialogue, which invites readers to explore its themes in a more intimate and personal way.
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