

96 - Its All in Plato: An Introduction to C.S. Lewis
Jun 17, 2025
Delve into the intersection of C.S. Lewis's philosophy and fiction. Explore how Plato's ideals influence Lewis's thought, uncovering the debates between being and becoming. Discover Heraclitus’s concept of change versus Parmenides’ belief in stability. Snyder highlights the allegorical journey from the shadows of the cave to the realm of forms, pairing it with medieval cosmology. Each planet embodies unique virtues, revealing deeper insights into human nature. Prepare for a rich interplay of philosophy as it shapes literature!
01:16:03
Personal Journey Into Literature
- Andrew Snyder describes his late discovery of literature, moving from scarce childhood reading to a deep engagement beginning with Augustine and Kierkegaard in grad school.
- He credits personal suffering in 2021 and encounters with Tolkien fans for opening him to fiction's power and leading him to C.S. Lewis.
Lewis's Medieval Mindset
- C.S. Lewis thought like a medieval man, drawing wisdom distinct from modern perspectives rather than uncritically adopting the past.
- Old books correct modern blind spots by offering different mistakes and strengths for us to weigh, not mere antiquarianism.
How To Get The Most From The Course
- Expect each week to include a short spoiler-free intro and a longer deep-dive video; avoid pre-reading spoilers to preserve discovery.
- Use the Discord to ask questions and steer live sessions toward topics you care about.
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Intro
00:00 • 5min
Course Overview and Goals
05:02 • 3min
Instructor Background and Reading Journey
07:42 • 9min
Why Lewis Is Both Popular and Scholarly
16:41 • 2min
Course Structure and Participation
19:02 • 4min
Why Plato and the Medieval World Matter
22:53 • 22sec
What Is the Being vs. Becoming Debate?
23:15 • 1min
Heraclitus: Reality as Change
24:26 • 4min
Parmenides: Reason Demands Stability
28:52 • 2min
Plato's Allegory of the Cave
30:42 • 5min
What Makes Things Good for Plato?
35:32 • 4min
The World of Forms and Human Aspiration
39:06 • 4min
Phaedo: Recollection and Immortality
43:21 • 5min
Why Do Minds Track Reality?
48:31 • 3min
Plato's Tale of the Afterlife
51:27 • 5min
Aristotle's Prime Mover and Ordered Motion
56:07 • 2min
Spheres, Love, and Cosmic Imitation
58:27 • 3min
Medieval Cosmic Diagram and Hell at the Center
01:01:56 • 40sec
The Moon as Transitional Influence
01:02:36 • 2min
Planetary Influences Explained
01:04:41 • 40sec
Mercury: Speed and Wit
01:05:21 • 46sec
Venus: Nurturing Love and Its Excesses
01:06:07 • 45sec
Sun: Wisdom, Generosity, and Gold
01:06:51 • 1min
Mars: Martial Honor and Tyranny
01:07:57 • 1min
Jupiter: Kingship and Serene Justice
01:09:02 • 47sec
Saturn: Time, Decay, and Penitential Wisdom
01:09:49 • 1min
Roman Gods Repurposed as Angelic Forces
01:11:00 • 34sec
Preview: Angels and Out of the Silent Planet
01:11:34 • 1min
Course Promotions and Upcoming Classes
01:12:55 • 1min
Plato and Stoicism in Till We Have Faces
01:13:59 • 1min
Outro
01:15:23 • 31sec

#1099
• Mentioned in 24 episodes
The fellowship of the ring

J.R.R Tolkien
In this epic novel, Frodo Baggins inherits the One Ring from his cousin Bilbo and learns from the wizard Gandalf that it must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return to power.
Joined by a fellowship of eight other members, including Gandalf, Sam Gamgee, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, and Merry and Pippin, Frodo sets out on a treacherous journey across Middle-earth.
The Fellowship faces numerous challenges, including treacherous landscapes, ferocious enemies, and internal conflicts, as they strive to complete their mission and save their world from darkness.

#2525
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
Augustine's Confessions

Augustine

#4808
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Phaedo


Benjamin Jowett


Plató
In this dialogue, Plato presents his metaphysical, psychological, and epistemological views through the conversations of Socrates and his friends on the day of his execution.
The dialogue includes four arguments for the immortality of the soul, discussions on the theory of Forms, and Socrates' account of his final hours.
It is a key work in Plato's middle period, combining profound philosophy with a vivid narrative of Socrates' last day.

#139
• Mentioned in 103 episodes
The Hobbit
or There and Back Again

J.R.R Tolkien
Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth.
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug.
During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible.
The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism.

#2485
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
On The Incarnation


C.S. Lewis

Athanasius


A Religious of C.S.M.V. S.Th.
Written by St. Athanasius in the 4th century, 'On the Incarnation' is an apologetic treatise that defends the incarnation of Christ against non-believers.
Athanasius explains that the Word of God became incarnate to save fallen humanity, arguing that this act was necessary to undo the corruption of sin and restore humanity to its original state in the image of God. The book relies heavily on Scripture and the teachings of the early Church, addressing various objections to the incarnation and emphasizing the divine and human natures of Christ.

#656
• Mentioned in 34 episodes
The Silmarillion

J. R. R. Tolkien
The Silmarillion is a comprehensive narrative that details the creation of Tolkien's universe, Eä, and the history of the First Age. It includes the legend of the Silmarils, jewels crafted by Fëanor that contain the essence of the Two Trees of Valinor.
The book covers the creation of the world, the history of the Elves and Men, the wars against Morgoth, and the legendary love story of Beren and Lúthien.
Edited and published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien with the assistance of Guy Gavriel Kay, it is a foundational work that underpins the stories of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'.

#1814
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
The Silver Chair


C.S. Lewis
The Silver Chair is the fourth published book in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series.
It follows Eustace Scrubb, who returns to Narnia along with his classmate Jill Pole, on a mission from Aslan to find Prince Rilian, the son of King Caspian.
The story involves their journey through the underground world of Narnia, facing various dangers and encountering the Lady of the Green Kirtle, who has enchanted Prince Rilian.
With the help of Puddleglum the Marsh-wiggle, they manage to break the curse and free Rilian, leading to the defeat of the Lady of the Green Kirtle and the return of Rilian to his father's kingdom.

#1165
• Mentioned in 23 episodes
Till We Have Faces


C.S. Lewis
This novel is a retelling of the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, narrated by Orual, the ugly and bitter older sister of the beautiful Psyche.
Orual's story is a complex exploration of envy, betrayal, loss, and the journey towards self-awareness and redemption.
The book delves into Orual's life as she grapples with her love for Psyche, her anger towards the gods, and her eventual realization of her own flaws and the true nature of her feelings.
The narrative is divided into two parts, reflecting Orual's transformation from a state of bitterness and self-deception to one of understanding and mercy.

#329
• Mentioned in 56 episodes
The Great Divorce


C.S. Lewis
In 'The Great Divorce', C.S.
Lewis presents an allegorical narrative where souls from a gray, dreary town (representing hell) are given the opportunity to visit heaven.
The story follows the narrator and various ghosts as they encounter spirits in heaven, engaging in dialogues that reveal the nature of their choices and the reasons they remain in hell.
The book emphasizes that hell is a self-imposed state, and individuals choose to remain there due to their inability to let go of their earthly attachments and sins.
Through these encounters, Lewis explores themes of redemption, the afterlife, and the importance of spiritual choices, underscoring that true joy and salvation are available to those who seek them sincerely.

#162
• Mentioned in 95 episodes
The Republic


Plato

#416
• Mentioned in 48 episodes
City of God

Augustine of Hippo
Written between 413-426 CE, 'The City of God' is a response to pagan claims that the sack of Rome by barbarians was a consequence of the abolition of pagan worship by Christian emperors.
Augustine argues that Christianity saved the city from complete destruction and that Rome’s fall was due to internal moral decay.
The book divides humanity into two metaphorical cities: the City of God, characterized by devotion to God, and the City of Man, characterized by self-love.
It also outlines Augustine’s theological interpretation of human history, from the Creation to the Second Coming of Christ, and critiques paganism and pagan philosophy while presenting the true history of the City of God.

#5429
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Euthyphro
null


Plato
Plato's "Euthyphro" is a short but significant dialogue that explores the nature of piety and the relationship between morality and divine will.
The dialogue centers on a conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro, who is prosecuting his own father for murder.
Socrates challenges Euthyphro's definition of piety, leading to a series of attempts to define the concept that ultimately fail.
The dialogue raises the famous Euthyphro dilemma: is something pious because the gods love it, or do the gods love it because it is pious?
This dilemma highlights the tension between divine command theory and the existence of objective moral truths.
"Euthyphro" is a classic example of Socratic questioning and its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of fundamental questions about morality and the nature of the divine.

#4465
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
On Christian Doctrine

St. Augustine
St.
Augustine's "On Christian Doctrine" is a seminal work on biblical hermeneutics, offering guidance on interpreting Scripture.
Augustine emphasizes the importance of understanding the different senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—to grasp its full meaning.
He stresses the need for a proper understanding of God's word to lead a virtuous life.
The book provides a framework for interpreting Scripture in a way that leads to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's plan for humanity.
Augustine's insights continue to influence biblical interpretation and theological reflection today.
His emphasis on the relationship between faith and reason remains a significant contribution to Christian thought.

#1159
• Mentioned in 23 episodes
The Death of Ivan Ilych

Leo Tolstoy
The Death of Ivan Ilych, published in 1886, is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the existential crisis of its protagonist.
Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life.
The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living.
Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold.
Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments.

#1906
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
Out of the Silent Planet


C.S. Lewis
In 'Out of the Silent Planet', Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, is kidnapped by his old school acquaintance Dick Devine and the scientist Edward Weston.
They take him aboard a spaceship bound for Malacandra (Mars).
Upon landing, Ransom escapes and encounters the planet's inhabitants, including the humanoid hrossa and the angelic eldil.
He learns that Earth is isolated from the rest of the solar system and eventually meets Oyarsa, the ruler of Malacandra.
After a series of adventures and interactions with the planet's diverse species, Ransom is directed to return to Earth along with his captors, who are ordered to leave Malacandra immediately.

#4883
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Voyage of the Dawn Treader


C.S. Lewis
In this adventure, Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace are transported back to Narnia, where they join Prince Caspian on his ship, the Dawn Treader.
Their journey takes them to various islands, each with its own unique challenges and wonders.
Along the way, they encounter a sea serpent, an island where anything turns to gold, and a mysterious Dark Island.
Eustace's transformation into a dragon and his subsequent redemption are pivotal moments in the story.
The crew's quest to find the seven lost lords and reach the edge of the world is filled with trials, temptations, and the guidance of the lion Aslan.
#11556
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
On the Trinity

Augustine of Hippo
Augustine's "On the Trinity" is a profound exploration of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, one of the most complex and debated concepts in Christian theology.
Written in Latin, it delves into the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, examining the relationship between these three persons within the one divine being.
Augustine's work is characterized by its philosophical depth and theological insight, offering a nuanced understanding of the Trinity's mysteries.
It has had a lasting impact on Christian thought, shaping theological discussions for centuries.
The book's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of the relationship between faith and reason.
With an added introduction, this is the first lesson in my "Fiction & Philosophy of C.S. Lewis" course, which is now being released to the public podcast.
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