Wonderful video, Mark! I always thought that it was fascinating how Socrates never recorded any of his work, believing it not to be an effective form of communication. It does make me wonder how his work would have read in his own words. I think it is a very interesting point you made about people not liking to question themselves. I agree, it can be uncomfortable and be a real challenge to self reflect and explore why you feel a certain way. Being honest with yourself can be one of the hardest things to do and can take courage to face up to certain aspects of ourselves, especially when someone else highlights them. Fascinating debate between Socrates and Thrasymachus. Their ideas are definitely something that could be discussed for many hours. As you say, totally relatable today. Thank you so much for another thought provoking and enjoyable video. Absolutely fab!! 😃
Thanks, Zoe. This particular conversation is fascinating, and I certainly would talk about it for hours! Self reflection is very difficult; almost impossible for some. To say we are wrong is hard to admit. I too wonder how it would read if Socrates himself had written it. Unrecognisable, probably.
Oh yes, there is so much to talk about. So fascinating!! Absolutely, not many people like to admit to being wrong but there is great value in doing so but as said a challenge. I agree, I think his works would be very different had he recorded them himself. Thanks again for such a wonderful ramble. You've given us all lots to ponder upon.😃
You have a gift of being able to clearly articulate difficult subjects. I read the Apology years ago, but was put off by the Republic. I really appreciate your videos ❤
You are educating me. I would not read Plato if given a choice but your explanations are excellent. Being an American living in a red state I couldn’t help but think of trump the whole time you were talking. Virtue is an unknown quantity in America right now. On another subject, I am curious about that light over your left shoulder. I can’t tell if it’s a candle or one of those Himalayan salt lamps or something else entirely.
Thanks for your comments. Strangely, I too thought of Trump when talking to camera. Strange how the past repeats! The light is a salt lamp gifted to myself by my daughter. We have them dotted all around the house!
Nice light, breezy vacation reading right?! 😂 That’s how I read it last as well, looking forward to diving into your analysis Mark. I know it’s not Book 1, but boy does the allegory of the cave really grab hold of you and take your mind to interesting places if you can’t shake it off. Thanks for posting what I’m sure took a lot of thought and work.
Thanks, kind sir! Yes... a book to read on the beach! Well, I did once, and got odd looks. I too am looking forward to the Cave - truly epochal stuff there!
'Republic' is my favourite book by Plato, I much prefer Aristotle, all that nonsense about Ideals drives me mad. Thanks for another very enjoyable & engaging video, Mark - fantastic!
Really enjoyed your commentary. I read The Republic a number of years ago, and I certainly remember the highlights, but I'm almost embarrassed to admit that it doesn't resonate with me as strongly as many of Plato's other dialogues. I'm not quite sure why. I personally would have much preferred to give the Phaedo another read on vacation. 😊 But perhaps I would warm to The Republic if I give it another look. I'd forgotten the details of the exchange with Thrasymachus, but I remembered the "might makes right" argument. One of the things that struck me is just how much it reminds me of Socrates's exchange with Callicles in the Gorgias. But according to The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the two shouldn't be viewed as interchangeable. Guess I would need a refresher to appreciate distinctions between the two. Oh and by the way, that's an interesting observation about New Zealand settlers and the obsession with wealth creation. Have a good one!
Yes... portfolios. Not, in itself, a problem - it's the LOVE of money that is. I would love to hear other topics. Oh hum. And The Gorgias is one I will definitely do later. Thanks for the wonderful comments, Bryan. You're a star.
Wonderful video, Mark!
I always thought that it was fascinating how Socrates never recorded any of his work, believing it not to be an effective form of communication. It does make me wonder how his work would have read in his own words.
I think it is a very interesting point you made about people not liking to question themselves. I agree, it can be uncomfortable and be a real challenge to self reflect and explore why you feel a certain way. Being honest with yourself can be one of the hardest things to do and can take courage to face up to certain aspects of ourselves, especially when someone else highlights them.
Fascinating debate between Socrates and Thrasymachus. Their ideas are definitely something that could be discussed for many hours. As you say, totally relatable today.
Thank you so much for another thought provoking and enjoyable video. Absolutely fab!! 😃
Thanks, Zoe. This particular conversation is fascinating, and I certainly would talk about it for hours! Self reflection is very difficult; almost impossible for some. To say we are wrong is hard to admit. I too wonder how it would read if Socrates himself had written it. Unrecognisable, probably.
Oh yes, there is so much to talk about. So fascinating!! Absolutely, not many people like to admit to being wrong but there is great value in doing so but as said a challenge.
I agree, I think his works would be very different had he recorded them himself.
Thanks again for such a wonderful ramble. You've given us all lots to ponder upon.😃
Welcome! I'd love to know if you watch - please, leave a comment!
You have a gift of being able to clearly articulate difficult subjects. I read the Apology years ago, but was put off by the Republic. I really appreciate your videos ❤
Thanks, Meg! It is a difficult read: the style is often hard to penetrate. Thanks for the wonderful comment.
You are educating me. I would not read Plato if given a choice but your explanations are excellent. Being an American living in a red state I couldn’t help but think of trump the whole time you were talking. Virtue is an unknown quantity in America right now. On another subject, I am curious about that light over your left shoulder. I can’t tell if it’s a candle or one of those Himalayan salt lamps or something else entirely.
Thanks for your comments. Strangely, I too thought of Trump when talking to camera. Strange how the past repeats! The light is a salt lamp gifted to myself by my daughter. We have them dotted all around the house!
Nice light, breezy vacation reading right?! 😂 That’s how I read it last as well, looking forward to diving into your analysis Mark. I know it’s not Book 1, but boy does the allegory of the cave really grab hold of you and take your mind to interesting places if you can’t shake it off. Thanks for posting what I’m sure took a lot of thought and work.
Thanks, kind sir! Yes... a book to read on the beach! Well, I did once, and got odd looks. I too am looking forward to the Cave - truly epochal stuff there!
'Republic' is my favourite book by Plato, I much prefer Aristotle, all that nonsense about Ideals drives me mad. Thanks for another very enjoyable & engaging video, Mark - fantastic!
Cheers! I WILL do an episode on Aristotle soon... the Ethics, I think. I might tap you for your own thoughts.
@: yes, Aristotle is my man.
Really enjoyed your commentary. I read The Republic a number of years ago, and I certainly remember the highlights, but I'm almost embarrassed to admit that it doesn't resonate with me as strongly as many of Plato's other dialogues. I'm not quite sure why. I personally would have much preferred to give the Phaedo another read on vacation. 😊 But perhaps I would warm to The Republic if I give it another look.
I'd forgotten the details of the exchange with Thrasymachus, but I remembered the "might makes right" argument. One of the things that struck me is just how much it reminds me of Socrates's exchange with Callicles in the Gorgias. But according to The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the two shouldn't be viewed as interchangeable. Guess I would need a refresher to appreciate distinctions between the two.
Oh and by the way, that's an interesting observation about New Zealand settlers and the obsession with wealth creation. Have a good one!
Yes... portfolios. Not, in itself, a problem - it's the LOVE of money that is. I would love to hear other topics. Oh hum. And The Gorgias is one I will definitely do later. Thanks for the wonderful comments, Bryan. You're a star.