Interview: Alex Priou, Persian Satrap of the Kallipolis
Aug 25, 2023
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Guest Alex Priou, classicist and co-host of the New Thinkery podcast, discusses his book on Plato's Symposium. They explore the true meaning of love, the limitations of science, and the significance of prose style in philosophy. They also touch upon the purpose of scholarly writing, Nietzsche's style, and the role of technical knowledge in understanding humanity.
The importance of preserving the ideals and traditions of Western civilization in the face of current challenges, emphasizing the resilience of the Western tradition.
The exploration of love in Plato's Symposium highlights the tension between the desire for transcendence and the value of grounding oneself in the tangible realities of existence.
Deep dives
The Importance of Remembering Western Traditions and Heritage
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of understanding and preserving the ideals and traditions of Western civilization. It acknowledges the despair that can arise when faced with current challenges in society, such as political turmoil. However, it also highlights the historical patterns of renewal and the resilience of the Western tradition. The host argues for focusing on individuals who are actively carrying forward these traditions in their daily lives, using new technology, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
A Fresh Approach to Plato's Symposium
The podcast episode features an interview with author Alex Priu about his book titled 'Musings on Plato's Symposium.' The book offers a unique and accessible interpretation of Plato's Symposium, making it enjoyable for both experienced readers of the text and newcomers. Priu presents the ideas in short, readable sections, incorporating aphoristic writing style. The book aims to bridge the gap between academic philosophy and a wider audience by using clear language and engaging storytelling. Priu discusses the structure of the book and the reasons behind his approach, highlighting the importance of combining scholarship with readability.
The Limitations of Technical Mastery vs. Philosophical Knowledge
In the podcast episode, the tension between technical mastery and philosophical understanding is explored through the lens of Plato's Symposium. The character of Eryximachus represents the ambition to comprehensively govern and manipulate the world through technical knowledge. However, it is highlighted that this approach has limitations, as it fails to address fundamental questions about human existence and our proper place in the world. Socrates' speech in the dialogue aims to redirect Eryximachus and others towards a more contemplative and holistic understanding of philosophy. The episode delves into the challenges of combining technical expertise with philosophical wisdom.
Love, Identity, and the Concrete Good
The podcast episode examines the theme of love in Plato's Symposium and its relationship to individual identity. The conversation revolves around the question of whether love leads to self-destruction or self-fulfillment. It explores the different speeches presented in the dialogue and the perspectives they offer on the nature of love. The episode discusses the idea that true satisfaction comes from embracing the concrete good, from appreciating the specific details and experiences of life rather than seeking abstract or infinite ideals. It delves into the tension between the desire for transcendence and the value of grounding oneself in the tangible realities of existence.
Why isn't every book on philosophy like this one? Alex Priou, classicist and co-host of the New Thinkery podcast, has written an exploration of Plato's Symposium that is both readable and profound. It's a text we've talked a fair bit about on Young Heretics, and Alex has a great sense of what it can reveal to a modern reader. We discuss the true meaning of love, the nature and limitations of science, and the significance of prose style in philosohpy.