Angie Hobbs

Angie Hobbs, David Sedley, and James Warren delve into Epicureanism, focusing on pleasure as life's goal, atom theory, friendship, and Lucretius's influence. The discussion includes Epicurean beliefs on free will, mental tranquility, therapeutic remedies for the soul, the impact on Roman culture, and the contrast with Christianity.

Angie Hobbs, a philosophy associate professor, Peter Adamson, an expert in ancient thought, and James Warren, a classics lecturer, dive into Heraclitus's world. They discuss his enigmatic views on change, famously asserting that nothing remains the same. The trio explores the unity of opposites, where life and death intertwine. They also unpack his intricate philosophy of perception and the 'logos' that connects everything. Finally, an entertaining anecdote about Heraclitus's quirky death sheds light on his unique character, blending humor with philosophical insight.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Muses and their role in Greek mythology, when they were goddesses of poetry, song, music and dance: what the Greeks called mousike, 'the art of the Muses' from which we derive our word 'music.' While the number of Muses, their origin and their roles varied in different accounts and at different times, they were consistently linked with the nature of artistic inspiration. This raised a question for philosophers then and since: was a creative person an empty vessel into which the Muses poured their gifts, at their will, or could that person do something to make inspiration flow? WithPaul Cartledge Emeritus Professor of Greek Culture and AG Leventis Senior Research Fellow at Clare College, University of CambridgeAngie Hobbs Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy, University of SheffieldAndPenelope Murray Founder member and retired Senior Lecturer, Department of Classics, University of WarwickProducer: Simon TillotsonImage: 'Apollo and the Muses (Parnassus)', 1631-1632. Oil on canvas. Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665).

Angie Hobbs, an emerita professor specializing in ancient Greek philosophy, discusses her book, Why Plato Matters Now. She argues that Plato's ideas about democracy, art, and community are extremely relevant today. Hobbs emphasizes how Plato's dialogue form promotes active engagement in philosophy, making it a vital educational tool. She explores themes like moral education for children, the dangers of censorship, and how to combat modern challenges using Plato's insights. With a focus on flourishing and inclusion, she highlights the need for his wisdom in contemporary society.

Join Armand D’Angour, Massimo Pigliucci, Angie Hobbs, and Donald Robertson as they dive into the relevance of Socrates in today's world. They explore the complexity of Socratic thought versus its portrayals, emphasizing integrity and critical thinking. The discussion highlights the Socratic method's role in modern education, ethics, and psychotherapy. They ponder Socrates’ views on death and love, his personal responsibility doctrine, and his lasting legacy as a martyr of philosophy, revealing insights that challenge contemporary beliefs.