Good in Theory: A Political Philosophy Podcast

This podcast explores Plato's Republic, discussing the immersive education program for guardians, the importance of music in shaping their souls, physical education in cultivating virtuous preferences, Socrates' unique approach to education focusing on moral education, choosing the best guardians, and the role of ideology in shaping beliefs and commitments.

Agnes Callard is a philosophy prof, Plato expert and public philosopher. We talk about the relationship between politics and philosophy (it’s complicated), why nobody should trust philosophers (they don’t know anything), and why human beings can’t even think something without someone else telling them they’re wrong. We mention Callard’s op-eds: “Should we cancel Aristotle?” and “How to politicize a classroom”Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgnesCallardSupport the show

Rebecca Amzallag, an actor, joins the podcast to discuss Plato's Republic. They delve into the importance of educating children with morally sound stories, revising myths to emphasize love and unity, and the implications of imitation and controversial Greek myths.

In this podcast, Glaucon and Adeimantus challenge Socrates to prove that it's good to be good. Glaucon introduces a ring of invisibility and the gang creates a utopian city of pigs. They also discuss the concept of justice, formation of cities, and the importance of education in Plato's Republic.

Paul Sagar is a lecturer in political theory at King's College London and the guy who played Thrasymachus in book 1. He actually doesn't like reading Plato very much. I ask him why. Support the show

Socrates faces off against the formidable Thrasymachus who argues for the dismissal of morality and the pursuit of injustice. The debate centers around the definition of justice and whether it is better to be unjust. Socrates employs logical reasoning to challenge moral skepticism. Background is provided on Thrasymachus in Plato's Republic.

Plato's Republic challenges readers with its flawed arguments and extreme policies. The podcast explores the complex themes of ethics, politics, education, epistemology, and psychology. It begins with the question 'What is justice?' and introduces engaging conversations between Socrates and various characters. The podcast delves into the pleasures of old age, the role of money, conflicting ideas of justice, and the historical context of political conflicts.

9 - Athens: Ahoy Polloi! The Athenians ran their government like an open mic night, pulled off one of the greatest golden ages in human history and show why true democrats hate elections. The secret sauce of Athenian greatness? Seamen. Lots of seamen.  Old Oligarch: Alan Mark at Tankards n TalesArt: Marijke BouchierMusic: David Zikotivz, Clayton Tapp, and (new) Michael Levy on SpotifyEditing, episode art and social: SepidehTexts: The Old OligarchPericles’ Funeral Oration Support the show

The Spartans are legendary fighters and legendary patriots. They believed in equality, meritocracy, and freedom. They also ran the most brutal slave state in the ancient world. Their secret? Institutions! Art: Marijke BouchierMusic: David Zikotivz, Clayton Tapp, and The Green Hornet Theme. Editing, episode art and social: SepidehReferences: -Plutarch Life of Lycurgus -Plutarch The Sayings of Spartan Women-"This is Sparta!" Techno remix-Three: a Sparta comic from the Helot perspectiveSupport the show

Rebecca Goldstein wrote a book of Platonic dialogues, in which Plato is on a 21st-century book tour in America. It’s called Plato at the Googleplex.We talk about Plato and whether you can do philosophy and politics at the same time, and the Harper’s letter in favour of “open debate” that Goldstein signed and Twitter got mad about. We discuss when, if ever, it’s a good idea to constrain free speech and inquiry. https://www.rebeccagoldstein.com/ Art: Marijke BouchierMusic: David Zikotivz and Clayton TappEditing, episode art and social: SepidehSupport the show