William H. F. Altman

William H. F. Altman, a scholar and author, explores the profound influence of Platonism on Cicero's philosophy. He discusses Cicero's complex character, his defense of the Republic against Caesar, and the political implications of his writings. Altman draws parallels between Roman crises and contemporary issues, emphasizing the civic value of rhetoric. He also highlights Cicero's emotional depth following the loss of his daughter and argues for a reevaluation of his significance in both philosophy and politics.

William H. F. Altman, author of "Ascent to the Beautiful" and a scholar reconstructing the order of Platonic dialogues, dives into the pedagogical nuances of Plato's works. He discusses how the dialogues, often overlooked, offer a unique pathway for students from self-interest to gallantry. The conversation touches on Socratic themes of teachability of virtue, beauty, and goodness, and explores the connections between pleasure and intellectual growth. Altman illuminates the dialogues as a cohesive narrative that prepares students for philosophical exploration.

William H. F. Altman is a retired public high-school teacher and author of "Plato the Teacher: The Crisis of the Republic." In this conversation, he explores Plato's unique pedagogical approach, emphasizing the role of the Republic and the Allegory of the Cave in his teaching. Altman defends a structured reading order for Plato's dialogues, arguing that philosophical ascent requires navigating the complexities of civic life. He critiques democracy's role in justice and discusses the educational value of Plato’s dialogues as tests for students, moving beyond traditional scholarship.