The Classical Mind

Explore the philosophical questions surrounding piety, ethics, and the divine in this enlightening discussion. The hosts delve deep into Plato's dialogue and examine the concept of piety and its relationship to morality. They also explore the presence of discord in the Iliad and compare polytheistic understanding with Christian divine ethics. The dilemma of whether God gives commands because they are good or because he is striving to act in a good way is discussed, along with the relationship between God's nature and his ability to act differently. The hosts address a critique of their argument and share personal influences on their understanding of the Euthyphro dilemma.

On today's episode, Junius and Wesley discuss the timeless world of Greek tragedy! They explore the profound themes and dramatic elements of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Aristotle's Poetics. Gain insights into the complexities of fate, tragedy, and catharsis in these classical works. Whether you're a literature enthusiast or a student of ancient philosophy, this discussion promises to deepen your understanding of these literary masterpieces. Subscribe now and embark on a journey through the classical mind. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

On this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel Brothers Karamazov. Endnotes* Junius: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky* Wesley: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

On today’s special episode, Junius and Wesley select the books that will make up our reading list in season 2. One of the reasons to support us for $5 is that you can access the video of the draft which came out a few weeks ago.Thank you to all of you who support us, financially or otherwise. We appreciate you! Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

Today we discuss The Iliad by Homer. End Notes: -Hesiod, Theogony and Works and Days-Statius, Thebaid-The Blues of Achilles by Joe Goodkin Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

In today's episode, Fr. Wesley Walker sits down to discuss Robinson Crusoe with Dr. Karen Swallow Prior. Dr. Prior's forthcoming book is The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis. It comes out on August 8. You can find more of her work at her website: https://karenswallowprior.com. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

Today, we’re discussing Utilitarianism by J.S. Mill. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory which emphasizes the maximizing of pleasure and the minimizing of pain. End Notes:The Dark KnightEnder’s GameRailton: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2265273 Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

Flannery O’Connor’s Wise Blood is…something. A Catholic novel, a debut novel, a difficult and strange novel. Wesley and Jared discuss Wise Blood, the difficulty in reading about difficult characters, religion in O’Connor’s works, and much more. ‘Hazel Motes Is Not Black’: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26671329'Uncommon Grace: https://www.pbs.org/video/uncommon-grace-the-life-of-flannery-oconnor-yv87qa/ Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

In this episode, we discuss Macbeth, a work of Shakespeare’s that Jared had never read. Topic include: political propaganda, the problem of evil characters, Wicked and Darth Vader, the Great Conversation, and the Book of Job. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

Jared and Wesley discuss Beowulf, and Jared is eventually converted.Check out the podcast and newsletter: theclassicalmind.comYou can also check out our reading list for the coming year. Just look for our reading list on Substack. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe