The Ralston College Podcast

Join James Orr, a philosopher from Cambridge, alongside David Butterfield, a Latin professor, and Harvard's Renaissance historian James Hankins. They delve into what ignites a cultural Renaissance, examining the significance of literature, music, and architecture. Joseph Conlon advocates for the power of language learning, while Gregg Hurwitz emphasizes literature's broader resonance beyond academia. The conversation weaves in thoughts from various thinkers on how communal experiences and beauty in our surroundings can foster renewal and inspire future generations.

"Why We Tell Stories" is a discussion between Greg Hurwitz & Jonathan Pageau which took place on January 31, 2025. In this exchange, two prominent professionals in creative fields discuss the place of passion, productivity, and integrity in the context of their careers, and offer insights which range from guiding, general principles to concrete, practical advice. Over the course of their discussion with each other and with the students, they field questions about the artistic process; about the public attention they've received for their work; about the lessons they've learned; and about their impression of Ralston College and its place in a broader context of cultural and educational renewal. This event was part of Ralston College's Career and Life conversations, a series of informal Friday-afternoon discussions for students enrolled in the MA in the Humanities. To apply to this program, please visit our website: www.ralston.ac/apply. Authors and Works Mentioned in this Episode: Aristotle Dante Alighieri DC Comics' Batman series The Book of Genesis Jordan B. Peterson Stephen King William Faulkner, The Sound and the Fury (1929) Rashomon (1950; dir. Akira Kurosawa) Marcel Duchamp, "Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2" (1912) Sigmund Freud Carl Rogers Jackson Pollock Pablo Picasso Lucile Ball Groucho Marx Sammy Davis Jr. James Patterson John Grisham Dr James Orr Dr Douglas Hedley Douglas Murray Ben Shapiro William Shakespeare Dan Brown, The DaVinci Code Hamilton: An American Musical Harry Potter series William Goldman

Delve into the intricacies of Boethius's 'The Consolation of Philosophy' and discover its powerful insights on human suffering and meaning. Explore the enduring relevance of introspection in today's turbulent society, and how personal struggles can lead to profound philosophical reflections. Hear a heartwarming story of resilience through a chance encounter that weaves together poetry and personal connections. Ultimately, navigate the quest for individual meaning amidst chaos, highlighting the innate freedom we all possess.

In this intimate question and answer session, conducted in March 2024 with the students enrolled in Ralston College's MA in the Humanities, the world-renowned psychiatrist, philosopher, and literary scholar Iain McGilchrist explores topics that animate the collective intellectual life of Ralston's student body. Answering questions that range from the metaphysical heights of theology, liturgy, and religious life to the tangible depths of scientific inquiry and medical progress, Dr McGhilchrist challenges his interlocutors to think deeper about the relationship between mind and matter, science and religion, and, ultimately, humanity and the divine. Authors, Artists, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: Iain McGilchrist, The Matter with Things Albert Einstein Aristotle Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Meister Eckhart John Donne George Herbert Thomas Traherne Rumi Henry Moore Blaise Pascal St. Augustine William Shakespeare, King Lear; The Merchant of Venice; Hamlet; The Tempest Metrodorus of Lampsacus Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling G.W.F. Hegel Alwyn Lishman St. Francis of Assisi Plotinus Thomas Edison St. Gregory of Nyssa Carl Jung Glenn Gould

In this enlightening discussion, psychiatrist and author Iain McGilchrist delves into the power of imagination in shaping our perception of reality. He examines how Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Keats resisted simplistic views tied to the left hemisphere of the brain. McGilchrist emphasizes the significance of viewing existence as a dynamic interplay between the finite and infinite. He also explores the implications of AI on human values and the importance of nurturing creativity in a technology-driven world.

Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a neuropsychiatrist and author known for his insights on the human brain, delves into the concept of symmetry and asymmetry. He challenges conventional notions that favor order and simplicity, introducing the idea that asymmetry is fundamental to life and beauty. Drawing parallels from physics and biology, McGilchrist elucidates how slight imbalances create complexity. He also explores the aesthetic implications of asymmetry in art and architecture, suggesting that our understanding of beauty can be deepened by embracing irregularity.

Iain McGilchrist, a neuroscientist and psychologist, delves into the fascinating balance between division and union. He explores how wholeness transcends reductionism, highlighting the brain’s hemispheres as partners in understanding. McGilchrist draws analogies from music and nature, emphasizing that true comprehension arises from recognizing interconnectedness. He champions the idea that resistance and limitations can spark creativity, while also discussing the philosophical implications of time and existence, ultimately arguing for a synthesis of opposites to drive innovation.

A conversation between Dr Iain McGilchrist, neuropsychiatrist, philosopher, and literary critic, and Dr Stephen Blackwood, President of Ralston College, on the occasion of Dr McGilchrist's March 2024 visit to Savannah to deliver Ralston College's annual Sophia Lectures. Dr McGilchrist discusses his experience spending time with Ralston College students, his reasons for accepting the College's invitation to deliver the Sophia lectures, and the necessity of leisure for deep thought. Applications for Ralston College's MA in the Humanities program are now open. Apply now.

Iain McGilchrist, a distinguished literary scholar and psychiatrist known for his works on the brain and culture, shares his fascinating educational journey. He discusses leaving a successful career in the humanities to enter medicine, emphasizing the integration of literature, philosophy, and neuroscience in his work. McGilchrist explores the significance of the right hemisphere in creativity, highlights the mind-body connection, and encourages a holistic educational vision that honors both the arts and sciences.

In a captivating discussion, Iain McGilchrist, a renowned polymath and author, shares his enlightening journey from Winchester College to All Souls. He reflects on the importance of freedom, friendship, and high expectations in education. McGilchrist highlights how formative experiences can nurture intellectual curiosity and critiques the current utilitarian focus in education. The conversation dives into the vibrant academic life at Oxford and the unique challenges faced by students today, advocating for a balanced and holistic approach to learning.