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Do you need help understanding the great books of philosophy? In his podcasts, Professor Laurence Houlgate reads and discusses the classic works of Plato, Thomas Hobbes, Rene Descartes, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, and David Hume. His short readings are based on his acclaimed Smart Student's Guides to Philosophical Classics series (learn more at www.houlgatebooks.com). The episodes begin with the dialogues of Plato and will continue week by week through each chapter of Understanding Plato. For those who want to read along, a digital or print copy of the book can be purchased at Amazon.com at this address: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I5GAIJIThemes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Philosophy classics • Socratic dialogues • Justice and virtue • Recollection and knowledge • Forms and analogies • Political philosophy • Law and morality • Tripartite soul theory • Tyranny vs. kingshipThis podcast, hosted by Professor Laurence Houlgate, is an exploration of classic philosophical works, specifically focusing on understanding pivotal ideas introduced by historical figures such as Plato, Thomas Hobbes, Rene Descartes, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, and David Hume. The podcast's journey begins with detailed examinations of Plato's dialogues, including Republic, Phaedo, Meno, Crito, Apology, and Euthyphro. Central themes include justice, virtue, the nature of the soul, and the forms of governance, reflecting Plato's profound influence on philosophical thought.
Throughout the episodes, Professor Houlgate underscores Socratic methods, such as dialectics and the elenchus, which are used to dissect complex concepts like justice, virtue, and piety. The podcast highlights Socrates' foundational arguments, such as the distinction between true knowledge and belief, the concept of moral realism, and the allegorical representation of ideas, especially seen in discussions of the Allegory of the Cave and the Analogy of the Sun. Houlgate explains how these topics are interwoven with Socratic dialogues to illustrate broader philosophical arguments about ethical conduct and governance.
The dialogues also address various societal roles, such as the idea of philosopher-kings, and explore contentious topics like the nature of tyranny versus the ideal governance of kingship and aristocracy. The episodes further delve into metaphysical discussions on the tripartite soul and engage with moral questions about law, duty, and the essence of justice. As a whole, this podcast serves as both a companion and an interpretive guide for those seeking a deeper understanding of Platonic philosophy and its lasting impact on the field.