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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):
➤ Plato's dialogues • philosophical analysis • Socrates' arguments • justice and injustice • forms and concepts • political philosophy • moral theories • learning and recollection • analogies • allegoriesThis podcast, titled "Understanding Plato," offers a detailed exploration of seminal philosophical texts, with a primary focus on the works of Plato. Hosted by Professor Laurence Houlgate, the podcast provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of classical philosophical ideas through readings and discussions. The content is guided by Houlgate's Smart Student's Guides to Philosophical Classics series, presenting a scholarly yet accessible approach to complex philosophical concepts.
The episodes sequentially delve into Plato's major works, starting with foundational dialogues and progressing through intricate arguments presented in "The Republic." Key themes addressed include the nature of justice, the ideal constitution of city-states, the tripartite soul theory, and the importance of philosophical rulers. Specific philosophical ideas such as the Allegory of the Cave and the Analogy of the Sun are examined to highlight Plato's views on knowledge, reality, and the Forms.
The podcast also engages with how these philosophical doctrines apply to personal and political ethics. Episodes explore the downfall of political systems and souls, the distinctions between just and unjust states, and Socrates' theory of recollection as a resolution to Meno's Paradox. The narratives are carefully intertwined with dialogues between Socrates and characters like Glaucon, Thrasymachus, and Euthyphro, each episode dissecting their significant philosophical debates.
Additionally, the podcast touches upon Socrates' final moments and his steadfast commitment to his ethical beliefs, even in the face of death. Through this comprehensive series, listeners are invited to ponder profound moral and political questions that have influenced Western thought for centuries. Overall, the podcast serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of classical philosophy and its enduring relevance.