Books of Titans Podcast

I started reading through the complete dialogues of Plato this year. I came to a point where I realized that Plato was referencing philosophers who came before him and I didn’t know anything about them or their ideas. I took a break from Plato to consider these philosophers who gave the seeds to Plato’s philosophy.These philosophers are called the Presocratics and the Sophists. They are Pre-Socrates in that their ideas precede Socrates, not necessarily that they preceded him historically. The Presocratic philosophers discussed in this podcast episode lived between 600 - 400BC. Socrates lived between 469 - 399BC.I read The First Philosophers with a translation and introduction by Robin Waterfield. In the introduction, Waterfield says “Presocratic thought was holistic : it was an attempt to give a systematic account of the whole known universe and all its major features.” They cover ideas such as the soul, happiness, and the makeup of things. You can see not only their intellectual method but also their ideas in the dialogues of Plato.In this episode, I cover four of my favorite Presocratic philosophers (Heraclitus, Parmenides, Pythagoras, and Empedocles) and some of their ideas. I also share the one thing that stuck out to me the most about these fathers of philosophy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

An introduction to this reading project for anyone new to Books of Titans. I started this in 2017 as an attempt to read more books and experiment with ways to help me remember what I read. It’s morphed into a lifelong reading project that I now expect to last until I die as I slowly make my way through The Immortal Books. Give this episode a listen to learn more and then give my wife Stephanie’s music a listen as well! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

Discover the intriguing life of Plato, from his wealthy upbringing to his distrust of democracy influenced by Socrates. Learn how his friendships and practical experiences shaped his philosophical ideas. Explore the significance of the Academy he founded, which inspired debate for over a thousand years. Delve into the dramatic nature of his dialogues, where even Plato critiques his own theories. The discussion also touches on the importance of applying knowledge for true happiness, making philosophy accessible and engaging.

Explore the fascinating history of books and their role in shaping ideas and culture. Discover how different materials influenced the concept of a book and the evolution from scrolls to codices. Delve into the connection between libraries and modern AI tools, and the intriguing argument that reading fosters empathy. Learn about Christianity's impact on book design and how writing aids thought organization. This discussion offers a new appreciation for the book as a powerful instrument in human thought and communication.

Explore Plato's quest to define the Sophist, a figure often mistaken for a true philosopher. Delve into the challenging paradox posed by Parmenides, questioning the nature of non-being and falsehood. Unravel how the Sophist, through imitation, creates deceptive appearances of wisdom. Erik shares his struggles with the text, highlighting Plato's intricate method of division and the implications of distinguishing true Forms from false ones. Gain insights into the importance of clear definitions in philosophy and the enduring quest for objective truth.

Dive into a fascinating exploration of Plato's dialogue on the nature of the statesman. The conversation begins with knowledge and intriguingly shifts to the metaphor of a statesman as a weaver of disparate parts. A surprising myth contrasts the ages of Cronus and Zeus, reshaping the discussion on governance. The analysis spans different government types and the balance between written laws and true statesmanship, highlighting the rarity of the ideal ruler. It all culminates in a thought-provoking look at courage, moderation, and the art of leadership.

The discussion dives deep into the profound themes of Viktor Frankl's work, exploring how spiritual resilience can bloom even in the darkest circumstances. Erik reflects on his personal growth since first reading it, revealing how his reading habits have evolved. He connects key ideas from Frankl's narrative to Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago, emphasizing the shared insights on the human condition. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of art and choices, illustrating how even the smallest decisions can shape one's destiny.

Dive into a philosophical journey as Socrates questions what knowledge truly is in dialogue with Theaetetus. Discover the complexities of perception as knowledge and the pitfalls of relativism. Explore Socrates' critique of Protagoras and his insight that true knowledge requires correct judgment. The impact of memory on learning takes center stage, likening it to a wax tablet. Ultimately, gain practical insights on how reading enriches mental impressions and retains vital ideas.

Delve into Plato's exploration of language and meaning! Discover the debate between Cratylus, who believes names reflect nature, and Hermogenes, who argues they are socially constructed. Join Socrates as he whimsically guesses the origins of names, revealing insights about concepts like joy and courage. Enjoy thought-provoking discussions on the implications of naming, the flow of words, and how definitions shape our understanding of history. Plus, hear recommendations on translations of this fascinating dialogue!

Were you there?It’s the opening question of this dialogue. Echecrates is asking Phaedo if he was there when Socrates drank the hemlock and died in prison. He was there. This is Phaedo’s account of the final day of Socrates.I wonder what I would do knowing I had a few hours to live. Would I be frantic? Would I conduct a dialogue about the soul as Socrates does here? Would I calmly drink my death sentence that 500 of my peers had bestowed upon me? I doubt it. Socrates was calm. He died as he had lived.There are some incredible parts to this dialogue. With a few hours left to go, we find Socrates “versifying” the Fables of Aesop. He’s setting prose to poetry. He’s not creating anew. He’s improvising on what already exists. It’s an incredible thing to consider. Socrates didn’t leave any writings, but he did apparently leave some poetry.The bulk of this work considers a questions that would be on the forefront of anyone’s mind about to exit this world. What’s next? Socrates argues that we have a soul that will continue into an afterlife. In fact, he argues that that soul pre-existed embodiment and that our learning was simply a recollection of Forms or Ideas encountered in that state. Socrates was being completely rational then in his calm willingness to die. This was simply a continuation of how he had lived his life, a betterment of the eternal part of him. His life as a philosopher was preparation for death.In this episode, I cover the main arguments, talk about three things that stuck out to me, ask 6 questions that I hope to get answered in other Plato dialogues, and close out with the One Thing I always hope to remember from Phaedo by Plato.Book Versions Read or Consulted:* Plato Complete Works - edited by John M. Cooper - translated by G.M.A. Grube* Phaedo - translated by David Gallop - Oxford World’s Classics* The Last Days of Socrates - translated by Hugh Tredennick and Harold Tarrant (intro) - Penguin Classics (just read the intro in this one) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe