In this lively discussion, Professor Edith Hall, a leading expert on ancient Greece, joins comedian Dan Schreiber to delve into the fascinating life of Aristotle. They explore his groundbreaking contributions across various fields, compare his practical philosophy to Plato's ideals, and uncover his deep love for nature, particularly through his studies of Lesbos' rich biodiversity. The trio confronts Aristotle's controversial views on ethics and the challenges of his legacy, making for an engaging exploration that highlights his profound impact on modern thought.
28:12
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Aristotle's Assos Life Story
Aristotle went to Assos and married either the daughter, adopted daughter, or niece of Hermias, the tyrant who invited him.
They had a daughter and he developed a close friendship with Theophrastus, his future successor and collaborator in natural sciences.
insights INSIGHT
Aristotle Invented Zoology
Aristotle described 500 species of animals and many plants around Lesbos, effectively inventing zoology and marine biology.
He also observed extinction due to overfishing, the earliest known reference to a species eradicated by human activity.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Tutor to Alexander the Great
Aristotle accepted a letter from King Philip of Macedon to tutor his son Alexander, who was a royal heir and known as a brat.
He chose to accept the offer likely out of necessity and the danger of refusing a powerful ruler's invitation.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Aristotle's Way', Edith Hall explores how Aristotle's ancient wisdom can guide us in living a meaningful life. The book distills Aristotle's philosophy into ten practical lessons, focusing on happiness, potential, and self-improvement. Hall's work is both a personal reflection and a scholarly exploration of Aristotle's ideas, making them accessible to modern readers.
Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle
The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life[1][2][4].
Greg Jenner is joined in ancient Greece by Professor Edith Hall and comedian Dan Schreiber to learn all about famous philosopher Aristotle and his world changing ideas.
Born a doctor’s son in the coastal settlement of Stagira, Aristotle would go on to revolutionise intellectual life in the west, writing on everything from theatre and the arts to politics, moral philosophy and zoology. After studying under Plato at his academy, Aristotle became a teacher himself, tutoring none other than a young Alexander the Great in Macedon before returning to Athens to found his own school, the Lyceum. And yet this extraordinary life came to an end in exile, after he was banished from his beloved Athens. This episode charts Aristotle’s incredible rise and fall, exploring his intellectual career and philosophical ideas alongside his friendships and romances, and asking whether, despite his views on women and slavery, he deserves the title of the greatest Greek philosopher.
This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.
Hosted by: Greg Jenner
Research by: Madeleine Bracey
Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner
Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands
Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse
Executive Editor: James Cook
You're Dead to Me 
