The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast

Episode 138, Plato's Symposium (Part I - The Hangover)

Dec 29, 2024

Join philosopher Rose de Castellan, known for her insights on love, and John Hawkins, who shares unique perspectives on philosophy, as they dive into Plato's Symposium. They explore how a lively Christmas gathering mirrors the ancient party, revealing humorous and profound truths about love amidst wine and chatter. The duo discusses the nature of Eros, the dynamics of relationships in ancient Athens, and societal norms that shape perceptions of love. Their engaging dialogue blends comedy with deep philosophical inquiries, making it a delightful feast for the mind.

56:11

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Episode guests

John Hawkins

Rose de Castellan

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast uses a Christmas party context to reveal deep human truths, blending playful debates with existential questions about life and love.

Plato's Symposium is portrayed as a rich dialogue among Athenian thinkers who explore the complexities of Eros through humor and passionate speeches.

By examining different societal perspectives on love, the discussion highlights how cultural norms influence relationships and individual experiences.

Deep dives

The Nature of Christmas Gatherings

A Christmas party serves as a unique venue for revealing profound truths about humanity, where light-hearted dilemmas can mingle with existential questions. This setting underscores a deeper longing for connection, joy, and shared experiences, often exemplified through humorous debates, such as discussing the proper amount of gravy or the significance of a partridge in a pear tree. The festive atmosphere exemplifies the essence of human togetherness that transcends mere social obligations; it becomes a celebration of shared values and community. Such gatherings highlight the human desire for connection and laughter, which can illuminate deeper philosophical queries about life and love.

Intro

3min

A Playful Exploration of Love and Upcoming Events

2min

Love and Revelry: A Celebration of Plato's Symposium

25min

The Nature of Eros and Honor

9min

Philosophies of Eros: Love and Wisdom

10min

Exploring Love and Desire in Plato's Symposium

5min

Exploring the Mystique of Philosophy

2min

A Christmas party is where humanity’s deepest truths can be revealed. It’s a space where profound questions like "How much gravy is too much gravy?" “What is partridge doing in a pear tree?” mingle seamlessly with "What is the meaning of life?" The very act of gathering to celebrate is a tribute to our existential longing for connection, love, joy, and embarrassing drunken dance moves. Plato might have envisioned it as a quest for wisdom, but let’s be honest, sometimes the real enlightenment happens while debating who gets the last Brussels sprout.

Today, we're stepping into one of the most intriguing parties in philosophy — Plato’s Symposium. A gathering of Ancient Athens’ most brilliant minds, lounging on couches, wine flowing freely, engaging in an intense yet playful exchange about the nature of love. But make no mistake, this is no ordinary party. Hosted at the home of the tragic playwright Agathon, this gathering is filled with laughter, drama and impassioned speeches. A celebration of intellect and pleasure, a blend of wit, wisdom, and revelry. As the night goes on, the conversation turns from the playful to the profound. What insights do our guests discover? What, indeed, is love? So, grab a seat at the table—because in Plato’s Symposium, the ideas are nearly as intoxicating … as the wine.

Note

Please note that two of our microphones experienced technical difficulties. We appreciate your understanding and assure you that our usual high-quality audio will resume in the next episode.

Links

Plato, The Symposium (pdf)

Thomas Cooksey, Plato’s Symposium: A Reader’s Guide (book)

Gregory D. Sadler, Plato’s Symposium (YouTube lectures)

Allan Bloom and Seth Benardete, Commentaries on Plato’s Symposium (book)

Pierre Destrée and Zina Giannopoulou, Plato's Symposium A Critical Guide (book)