Ancient Greece Declassified

In book 4 of the Republic, Plato sets forth perhaps the most famous psychological theory from Greco-Roman antiquity: the tripartite model of the human soul. But how good of a model is it? How does it hold up from the perspective of modern psychology? With us to discuss these questions and more is Jonathan Lear, professor of philosophy at the University of Chicago and a practicing psychoanalyst who serves on the faculty of the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. His article "Inside and Outside the Republic" remains one of the most important pieces of scholarship on the psychological theory offered in book 4.  ------------------ Support Ancient Greece Declassified on Patreon: patreon.com/greecepodcast Or make a one-time donation: paypal.me/greecepodcast

What do Plato's Republic, Sigmund Freud, and the Harry Potter saga have in common? Find out in this episode, which offers an exploration of book 4 of Plato's Republic and its many parallels in modern literature and psychology. 

Explore the debate on Alexander the Great's success - was it due to his own greatness or his father Philip II's influence? Military historian Adrian Goldsworthy offers insights. Delve into the enduring fascination with Alexander's conquests and his father's political savvy. Discover the evolution of warfare in the ancient Mediterranean and contemplate a hypothetical scenario of Alexander conquering Rome. Unravel the mythologized legacy of Alexander as a legendary hero.

Angie Hobbs joins to discuss Plato's theory of mimesis in book 3 of the Republic, emphasizing how art and cultural products impact our souls. They also explore the relationship between beauty, music, morality, and thumos in shaping future rulers, highlighting the importance of controlling what enters our souls for justice and virtue.

Following Socrates' claim that the ideal republic should be ruled by a class of "guardians," the question naturally arises: Who or what will keep these guardians in check? How do you prevent the government from becoming an unaccountable and oppressive regime? Our exploration of Plato's Republic continues, this time with Angie Hobbs, professor of the public understanding of philosophy at the University of Sheffield in England. She has written several books including Plato and the Hero, which touches on a lot of the topics we will be discussing today. Her latest book is a short guide to Plato’s Republic in the Ladybird Expert Series. Stay tuned at the end of this episode for a chance to win a copy of the book. *** Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/greecepodcast Or make a one-time donation: paypal.me/greecepodcast

This episode is a crosscast in collaboration with the Classical Wisdom Speaks podcast. Anya Leonard, host of that pod and founder of classicalwisdom.com, interviews me about my new book The Invention of Duty: Stoicism as Deontology. 

Our exploration of Plato's Republic continues with this discussion of book 2 with philosopher Rachel Barney. Is the fear of God necessary for morality? How can you educate people so that they value and practice justice? Rachel Barney is professor of classics and ancient philosophy at the University of Toronto. She specializes in the work Plato and has spent many years analyzing and unraveling some of the key issues in the Republic. ------------------ Support the project Via Patreon: patreon.com/greecepodcast Or through a one-time donation: paypal.me/greecepodcast ------------------ Scholarly works mentioned during the conversation: Rachel Barney. “Ring-Composition in Plato: the Case of Republic X,” in M. McPherran (ed.), Cambridge Critical Guide to Plato’s Republic. Cambridge University Press, 2010, 32-51. (pdf) Jonathan Lear. "Inside and Outside The Republic," in Phronesis, 1992. vol. XXXVII/2 (pdf)

Explore the moral questions of Westworld and Plato's Republic in this episode. Dive into the debate on justice versus injustice and the formation of guardians in the polis. Discover the education of guardians and the portrayal of gods in Ancient Greece, setting the stage for further exploration.

Exploring virtue and the four cardinal virtues in Ancient Greek and Japanese ethics. Introduction to Plato's Republic and the characters. Socrates debates Thrasymachus on the meaning of justice. Frustrations and criticisms of Plato's Republic. The philosophical and literary significance of Book 1.

Exploring Plato's Republic, the podcast discusses the impact of civil war on his work, historical background, contents, and irony. It delves into unique aspects of America, civil strife, societal dynamics, information challenges in ancient Athens, and Plato's philosophical evolution. Plato's approach to justice, significance of justice, and its enduring relevance are also explored.