Old School with Shilo Brooks Why We Still Need Plato
Oct 23, 2025
Dr. Cornel West, a renowned philosopher and activist, dives into the enduring relevance of Plato's Republic. He passionately explores justice and the dangers of tyranny, linking philosophical inquiry to personal meaning. West critiques the state of American universities, urging a return to Socratic inquiry and the pursuit of truth. The conversation celebrates the integration of ancient wisdom with modern struggles, advocating for a philosophic life that transcends material concerns. Together, they reflect on how these timeless ideas can guide us in today's world.
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Finding Kierkegaard In A Bookmobile
- Cornel West found Kierkegaard at 14 in a bookmobile, which changed his life.
- That early existential encounter shaped his Christian and philosophical formation.
Republic As Answer To Nihilism
- Plato's Republic responds to nihilism by defending virtue against 'might makes right'.
- It seeks to show justice as meaningful for individuals and societies, not mere power play.
Plato's Revolutionary Yet Authoritarian Tension
- Plato combines Socratic openness with authoritarian political prescriptions in the Republic.
- His desire to 'make the world safe for Socrates' leads him toward control and censorship.
