Edith Hall

How should we live? This is the basic question for all of us. In this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast Edith Hall, author of the book Aristotle's Way, gives a sympathetic answer to Aristotle's take on this question. 

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the great epic poem attributed to Homer, telling the story of an intense episode in the Trojan War. It is framed by the wrath of the Greek hero Achilles, insulted by his leader Agamemnon and withdrawing from the battle that continued to rage, only returning when his close friend Patroclus is killed by the Trojan hero Hector. Achilles turns his anger from Agamemnon to Hector and the fated destruction of Troy comes ever closer. With Edith Hall Professor of Classics at King's College LondonBarbara Graziosi Professor of Classics at Princeton UniversityAnd Paul Cartledge A.G. Leventis Senior Research Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Greek Culture at Clare College, CambridgeProducer: Simon Tillotson.

Professor Edith Hall and comedian Desiree Burch explore the myths and mysteries surrounding Pythagoras, from his mathematical theorem to his eccentric beliefs. Topics include his controversial life, metempsychosis, musical mathematics, and the origins of his famous theorem. The episode also touches on Pythagoras's strange practices and humorous reincarnation tales.

Yuval Noah Harari, best-selling author of Sapiens, explores the evolution of storytelling and its manipulation in the age of AI. Edith Hall, a classicist, draws parallels between ancient information flow and the internet, revealing humanity's long-standing desire for intelligent machines. Madhumita Murgia discusses AI's dual impact on society, highlighting both its potential to drive scientific progress and its role in deepening inequalities. Together, they navigate the tension between innovation, truth, and the ethical challenges posed by advanced technologies.

Edith Hall, a Professor of Classics, Paul Cartledge, an expert in ancient Greek history, and Peter Liddel, a Senior Lecturer in Ancient History, dive into the life of Pericles, Athens' transformative leader. They discuss Pericles' celebrated funeral oration, his dual role in fostering democracy while navigating elite tensions, and the catastrophic plague that struck Athens during his military strategies. Amusing anecdotes and recent archaeological finds add a light touch, revealing the complex legacy of a man who shaped Athenian culture and politics.

Professor Edith Hall and comedian Desiree Burch join Greg Jenner to explore the life and myths surrounding ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. They discuss his eccentricities, travels, philosophical beliefs, and controversial teachings. The episode also delves into Pythagoras' contributions to music theory and his impact on cultural consciousness. Controversies surrounding him as a cult leader are also explored. Plus, a quick-fire quiz to test your knowledge!

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the myths and history of the ancient Greek city of Thebes and its depiction in Athenian drama. In myths it was said to be home to Heracles, Dionysus, Oedipus and Cadmus among others and, in history, was infamous for supporting Xerxes in the Persian War. Its prominence led to a struggle with the rising force of Macedon in which the Thebans were defeated at Chaironea in 338 BC, one of the most important battles in ancient history. The position of Thebes in Greek culture was enormously powerful. The strength of its myths and its proximity to Athens made it a source of stories for the Athenian theatre, and is the setting for more of the surviving plays than any other location. The image, above, is of Oedipus answering questions of the sphinx in Thebes (cup 5th century BC).With Edith Hall Professor of Classics at King's College LondonSamuel Gartland Lecturer in Ancient History at Corpus Christi College, University of OxfordandPaul Cartledge Emeritus Professor of Greek Culture and AG Leventis Senior Research Fellow at Clare College, University of CambridgeProducer: Simon Tillotson.

Joan Baez, the iconic folk singer and activist, reflects on her transformative relationship with Bob Dylan, which inspired the legendary song ‘Diamonds and Rust’. Music writer Kevin EG Perry reveals the song's backstory, while Judy Collins reminisces about their performances together and the Newport Folk Festival. Classicist Edith Hall shares how the song helped her through a tough divorce, connecting its themes of nostalgia and loss to personal experiences. This heartfelt conversation celebrates music's power to evoke memories and healing.

Edith Hall, an expert in classics and ancient literature, and Adam Rutherford, a scholar of fables, dive into the enigmatic world of Aesop. They unravel the puzzles surrounding his origins and the dubious authenticity of his fables. The discussion ventures into the absurd moral lessons in Aesop's tales, critiquing how these animal stories influence our views today. They explore whimsical fables' themes of reciprocity and transactional relationships, connecting ancient narratives to modern storytelling's evolution.

Professor Edith Hall and poet Alicia Stallings join Natalie to discuss the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, who wrote about gods, farming, and pickling fish. Hesiod's autobiographical references reveal his struggles in life. The podcast explores Hesiod's poetry, grumpiness, and practical advice, as well as his influence on Greek mythology and human themes.