The Ralston College Podcast

In this lecture, delivered on March 30, 2023, as part of the Drummond Lecture Series at Hillsdale College, Dr. Stephen Blackwood—the founding president of Ralston College—argues that we must first understand something's nature before we can properly care for and cultivate it. This principle holds true for all living things—including plants and animals—but it is seen in its fullest complexity in human beings as they seek to realize their unique potential through the concrete challenges and conditions of their individual lives. Drawing richly upon both text and images, Dr. Blackwood explains that the actualization of our potential is not inevitable but instead relies upon us being rooted in a culture that can nurture, sustain, and challenge us as we seek to orient our subjective and finite experiences of the world toward eternal and infinite realities. Dr. Blackwood's lecture is a call to action for both individuals and institutions, reminding us of our sacred duty to both realize our own gifts and to accompany and support others as they seek to do the same. Resources Ralston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege Ralston College Humanities MA: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode radix (Latin, "root) William Shakespeare, Hamlet The Biblical book of Ezekiel Ugo da Carpi cultus, (Latin, "cultivation, culture, education, devotion") Aristotle, De Anima Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics St. Augustine Anthony Daniels / Theodore Dalrymple thaumazein (θαυμάζω) (Ancient Greek, "wonder") Sigrid Undset, Kristen Lavransdatter Gerard Manley Hopkins, "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo" Homer, Odyssey Pythagoras Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy Cal Newport, Deep Work Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism Gerard Manley Hopkins, "As Kingfishers Catch Fire" Quotes "Life can only be lived for itself. And only you can live that life." - Stephen Blackwood [00:15:54] "We need a true radicalism. A return to root as both anchor and nourishing source." - Stephen Blackwood [00:16:07] "You must string the bow, the bow of your soul, and let it sing. That irreducible particularity, that finite smallness of you, the intricacy and difficulty of your own life, is also where the greatness is. I encourage you, with everything I've got, to go out and find it." - Stephen Blackwood [00:53:15] Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction: Realizing Human Potential through Education: A Vision for Culture and the Human Person 00:06:30 - Hillsdale's Outsized Influence: How a Small College Cuts Through Noise to Seek Truth 00:09:00 - Rediscovering the True Meaning of Radical: Uncovering the Fundamentals of Human Nature 00:17:10 - Realizing Potential: The Dynamics of Growth in Natural Beings 00:28:30 - The Quest for Self-Knowledge: Exploring the Depths of Human Nature 00:35:00 - Transcending Self: The Search for Meaning Beyond the Empirical 00:40:00 - Integrating Self and Transcendence: Navigating Human Complexity and Connection 00:50:40 - Conclusion: The Infinite Particularity: Embracing the Unique Symphony of the Soul 00:54:10 - Q&A Session: Providence, Self-Determination, and Cultural Meaning at Hillsdale College

In his lecture, Jonathan Pageau presents a thoughtful examination of the Last Judgment through the lens of a late-11th-century mosaic, challenging the traditional view of it as solely an end-time event. He suggests that this imagery symbolizes an ongoing process of identity formation, where every entity acts as a judge, continually evaluating its alignment with its essence. This interpretation casts the Last Judgment in a new light, with the ideal human being as the ultimate measure of this alignment. Pageau further delves into how this imagery interacts with its placement within the church, enhancing the narrative of creation and ultimate fulfillment. He draws attention to the layered symbols within the scene, such as the crucifixion and harrowing of Hades. By exploring the cosmic symbolism—Christ as the source, the sheep and goats as symbols of inclusion or exclusion, and the strategic placement of figures—Pageau encourages a view of the Last Judgment not as a daunting reckoning but as a powerful allegory for the continuous formation and evaluation of identity against a higher ideal. This perspective not only demystifies the traditional fears associated with the Last Judgment but also prompts a personal reflection on how we align with broader, universal truths. Jonathan Pageau is a renowned artist and the host of The Symbolic World podcast. He specializes in the interpretation of symbolic patterns across various cultural and historical contexts. Learn more about Jonathan Pageau and embark on a journey into the symbolic universe by visiting his podcast at http://thesymbolicworld.com and his website at http://www.pageaucarvings.com. Glossary of Terms Iconography: The visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these. Byzantine Art: A style of art developed in the eastern Mediterranean, characterized by its religious themes and extensive use of icons. Resources Ralston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege Images The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Torcello, Italy: The Last Judgement, Apse Mosaics Church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy: 6th century Mosaic The Basilica of Saint Sabina, Rome, Italy: Wooden door panels depicting The Ascension Ascension of Christ, Rabbula Gospel Book (fol. 13v) The Monastery of Apollo at Bawit, Egypt Chapel of the Domus Galilaeae, Israel Russian the Last Judgment Icon (Novgorod version, 15th century) Quotes "I believe that the image of the Last Judgment is actually a way to understand how identity formation functions." - Jonathan Pageau [00:09:00] "We have to transform people; that's real. And that is undeniable when you meet someone that is transformed." - Jonathan Pageau [00:57:00] Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Medieval Cosmos and Jonathan Pageau 00:06:30 - The Image of the Last Judgment and Its Significance 00:13:40 - Exploring the Fractal Nature of Medieval Symbols 00:17:40 - Understanding the Last Judgment and Its Structure 00:24:40 - Iconographic Representation of Christ, the Virgin, and Saints 00:29:00 - The Right Hand and Left Hand of Christ in the Last Judgment 00:37:00 - The Hetoimasia and the Prepared Throne 00:39:20 - Depictions of Paradise and Hell in the Last Judgment 00:50:20 - The Problem of Fragmentation and the Nature of Sin 00:55:00 - From Division to Unity: The Path Forward 00:57:50 - Q&A Session: Symbolism, Imagery, Rationality, and Integration

Professor Douglas Hedley, a leading thinker in philosophy of religion from the University of Cambridge, explores the concept of 'serious play' in Renaissance thought. He discusses the influence of thinkers like Ficino and Erasmus on this idea and examines how play connects with spiritual themes and creativity. Hedley delves into Plotinus' view of the cosmos as a divine dance, the significance of beauty in guiding the soul towards goodness, and the important role of feminine wisdom throughout history. His insights intertwine play, contemplation, and deeper self-awareness.

In the fourth Sophia Lecture, Professor Douglas Hedley explores the transformative power of play in art and human consciousness, examining its philosophical significance across various cultures and traditions. Hedley highlights play's role in fostering aesthetic appreciation and creativity, embarking on a historical and philosophical journey from ancient wisdom to modern interpretations. He scrutinizes the aesthetic crisis in contemporary art, noting its departure from traditional notions of beauty and creativity, and weaves together intriguing concepts from evolutionary psychology, post-structuralist theories, and sacred art dimensions. Central to his discussion are the contributions of Kant, Schiller, and Gadamer, which shed light on art's role in society and individual lives. The lecture culminates in a compelling argument to reignite beauty's appreciation, urging a re-embrace of art's transformative potential in contemporary discourse. By positioning art as a conduit for truth and moral reflection, Hedley calls for a rediscovery of the deep connections between art, beauty, and the human condition. Douglas Hedley is a Professor in the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow at Clare College. His work spans the fields of philosophy, theology, and psychology, focusing on the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern thought. Glossary of Terms Aesthetics: The branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste. Resources Ralston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege Douglas Hedley https://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedley Living Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley https://www.amazon.com/Living-Forms-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/0567032957 Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley https://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Imagined-Violence-Atonement-Sacred/dp/1441194452 The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley https://www.amazon.com/Iconic-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/1441194630 Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga https://www.amazon.com/Homo-Ludens-Study-Play-Element-Culture/dp/1621389995 Truth and Method - Hans-Georg Gadamer https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Method-Hans-Georg-Gadamer/dp/0826405851 Likeness and Presence: A History of the Image before the Era of Art - Hans Belting https://www.amazon.com/Likeness-Presence-History-Image-before/dp/0226042154 Quotes "Friedrich Schiller observes that man only plays when he is in the fullest sense of the word a human being, and he is only fully a human being when he plays." - Douglas Hedley [00:15:49] There has emerged a widely documented crisis of aesthetics. In the wake of Duchamp, or Warhol, it becomes more difficult to speak of the artwork, or indeed, aesthetic experience, more broadly." - Douglas Hedley [00:03:52] Chapters 00:00:00] Introduction to the Aesthetics of Play [00:02:25] Philosophical Significance of Art, Beauty, and Aesthetics [00:17:00] Kant's Contribution to Aesthetics and the Concept of Genius [00:24:00] Schiller's Aesthetic Education of Man and the Concept of Play [00:33:40] Gadamer's Exploration of Art's Ontology and the Critical Role of Play [00:52:56] Audience Questions and Reflections

Douglas Hedley, a Professor in the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge, explores the profound relationship between play and life's deeper questions. He draws on ancient philosophies from Heraclitus and Plato, revealing how play can guide us to the divine. Hedley discusses mental health, urging the importance of embracing our 'child's soul' for meaning. He also highlights the transformative power of poetry and creativity, and how play can help us navigate modern complexities with a greater sense of purpose.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Douglas Hedley, a Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge, dives into the intriguing intersections of play, language, and poetry. He emphasizes how play is essential to understanding consciousness and critiques modern perspectives that overlook its significance. Hedley explores Augustine's concept of the 'inner word,' examines the roles of metaphor and poetry in shaping meaning, and shares insights from Owen Barfield and Hans-Georg Gadamer on the ethics and metaphysics of language.

University of Cambridge philosopher, Professor Douglas Hedley, delves into the concept of play and its vital role in understanding the human condition. Drawing on Johann Huizinga, Hermann Hesse, and Josef Pieper's ideas, Hedley links play to the divine act of creation, asserting it as an essential element of our existence associated with freedom, creativity, and spirituality. He considers various viewpoints from Christian and Eastern traditions, addressing criticisms and underscoring play's civilizing role. Through Hermann Hesse's "The Glass Bead Game," Hedley probes into play's societal function, its ties to leisure and festivals, and its life-enriching effects. The lecture's Q&A session offers additional insights, marking it as a significant resource for those intrigued by play's profound meanings. Douglas Hedley is a distinguished philosopher at the University of Cambridge, celebrated for his extensive research in the philosophy of religion and Platonism. He is the author of multiple influential works on imagination and religious experience. Glossary of Terms Sophia: Greek word for wisdom, used in the context of the lecture series to signify the exploration of wisdom through philosophy. The Delphic Oracle: The ancient Greek oracle at Delphi, famous for its cryptic predictions and guidance, including the maxim 'know thyself.' Resources Website: https://www.ralston.ac/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralstoncollege/ Douglas Hedley https://www.divinity.cam.ac.uk/directory/douglas-hedley https://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedley Living Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley The History of Religious Imagination in Christian Platonism, Exploring the Philosophy of Douglas Hedley - Christian Hengstermann Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga In the Shadow of Tomorrow: A Diagnosis of the Modern Distemper - Johan Huizinga Leisure: The Basis of Culture - Josef Pieper The Glass Bead Game (Magister Ludi) - Hermann Hesse The Journey to the East - Hermann Hesse Siddhartha - Hermann Hesse Religion in Human Evolution: From the Paleolithic to the Axial Age - Robert N. Bellah Tertullian. (n.d.). De Spectaculis. De Ludo Globi: The Game of Spheres - Nicholas de Cusa Plato. (n.d.). Symposium. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/symposium.html Plato. (n.d.). Phaedo. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/phaedo.html Plato. (n.d.). Laws. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/laws.1.i.html Quotes "Platonic games and jokes are much more serious than the serious things of the Stoics." - Marsilio Ficino [00:09:20] "Play may well be a key to understanding something about ourselves." - Douglas Hedley [00:09:00] Chapters [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:01:00] - Welcome and introduction of Sophia lectures series [00:06:40] - Topic introduction: The Spirit of Play [00:08:13] - Guest speaker introduction: Professor Douglas Hedley [00:09:40] - Distinguishing play and game [00:15:00] - Play as an intimation of the sacred [00:20:40] - The link between play and freedom [00:26:40] - Essentialism and play as an essential part of human condition [00:31:20] - Critique of play within the Christian tradition [00:36:50] - The glass bead game by Hermann Hesse [00:45:00] - Critique of Mandarin culture in the glass bead game [00:51:00] - Religious aspect of play [01:02:00] - Suspicion of leisure in Anglo-American culture [01:04:00] - Q&A session [01:37:19] - Conclusion of Q&A session and end of the lecture

Douglas Hedley, a distinguished philosopher at the University of Cambridge, delves into the intriguing concept of play and its profound impact on human experience. He discusses its historical significance, linking it to the thoughts of Plato and Socrates. The conversation highlights play's role in culture, especially in sports, and its connection to philosophy. Hedley also shares insights from his own scholarship, inviting listeners to appreciate a more playful perspective on fundamental human questions about existence.

Ralston College presents a lecture by University of Cambridge Professor Douglas Hedley on the influential and mysterious pre-Socratic philosopher Pythagoras. Given in the very cave in Samos in which Pythagoras taught, this brief lecture touches on the philosopher's influence on the Western tradition and the importance of the cave as an imaginative motif. Professor Hedley explores this recurring symbol as a place of birth and rebirth, of contemplation and illumination, and of tremendous inspiration to later figures such as Plato and many early Christian thinkers. The lecture took place during the first term of Ralston College's inaugural MA in the Humanities in autumn of 2022. Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Eusebius Werner Jaeger Ralph Cudworth Kabbalah Pythagoras The Lyceum Lloyd P. Gerson St Ambrose Johannes Reuchlin St Augustine Metempsychosis Orphism Empedocles Plato's Cave Socrates Mithraism Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos Parmenides Aristotle Pindar Immanuel Kant Gottlob Frege Links of Possible Interest Douglas Hedley's Cambridge Profile https://www.divinity.cam.ac.uk/directory/douglas-hedley Living Forms of the Imagination https://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0567032957/breviaryinfo-21 Dr Stephen Blackwood https://www.stephenjblackwood.com Dr James Bryson https://www.ralston.ac/people/james-bryson Ralston College (including newsletter) https://ralston.ac Ralston College Short Courses https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-courses

Ralston College presents a lecture by Marie Kawthar Daouda on the infamous French poet, Charles Baudelaire. Baudelaire published one collection of poems in his lifetime, 'Les Fleurs du mal,' which was met by outrage and led to a scandalous lawsuit because of some poems' graphic content. The problem with Baudelaire was not so much that he was writing about sex, drunkenness, and violence; it was that he wrote about ugly things—at times horrible things—while using the classical perfection of the French verse, and merged the longing for a lost ideal with the modernity of Haussmanian Paris. As such, Baudelaire's art is not about gruesome indecency, but about acknowledging horror as a non-negotiable part both of the human condition and of the creation of the self. Dr Daouda's lecture focuses on two particular sonnets, 'À une passante' and 'Recueillement,' which offer emblematic examples of Baudelaire's poetic technique and his philosophical heritage, and help to explain why, although he died in utter misery, he was one of the most influential artistic figures of the century that followed. This lecture and discussion were recorded with a live online audience on June 23rd, 2022. Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Charles Baudelaire Eugene Delacroix, 'La Liberté guidant le peuple' Chateaubriand Benjamin Constant Alphonse de Lamartine Victor Hugo, 'Les Miserables' George Sand Jean-Jacques Rousseau Voltaire Victor Hugo, 'Les Chansons des rues et des bois' Édouard Manet Blaise Pascal Joseph de Maistre Edgar Allan Poe Platonism Neo-Platonism Edgar Allan Poe, 'The Imp of the Perverse' Charles Baudelaire, 'L'art romantique' Charles Baudelaire, 'Les Fleurs du mal' Carlos Schwabe, 'Spleen et idéal' Oscar Wilde Charles Baudelaire, 'À une passante' Petrus Borel, 'Champavert' Charles Baudelaire, 'Recueillement' Charles Baudelaire, 'Le Spleen de Paris' Michael Edwards, 'Bible et poésie' Vladimir Jankélévitch, 'La Mort' Carlos Schwabe, 'Les Noces du poete et de la Muse ou L'Ideal' Gustav Maureau Lord Byron Links of Possible Interest Dr Marie Kawthar Daouda's biography https://www.ralston.ac/people/marie-k... Dr Stephen Blackwood https://www.stephenjblackwood.com Ralston College https://ralston.ac Ralston College Short Courses https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-sho... Ralston College Humanities MA https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma