Discussion of Thrasymachus’ challenge to justice and Socrates answer. What is wrong with the idea that "might makes right"?  How is the definition of Justice as "the advantage of the strong" a flawed definition?  How, moreover, is it a spiritual poison that causes death to the soul?  How could Socrates, Plato, defeat such a seemingly damnable vision of the world?

AVALON

Plato’s Republic book 1B

Discussing Plato’s Republic we get into the opening text discussing setting and character and how the conversation about justice commences. "How can you persuade us," says Polemarchus, "if we refuse to listen?"  Indeed, how can anyone be persuaded if they block out the images and arguments presented to them.  As Glaucon says, "it is not possible" & thus he reveals the growing disease within his own heart that makes him an image of Eurydice whose imprisonment in the world of the dead must be cured by the Orphic mythopoesis of Plato through his character, Socrates.  Thus begins the great discussion about the nature of Justice.

Plato’s Republic book 1A

A general introduction to the Republic by Plato in which we look at historical setting character of Plato and the structure of the work.

Plato’s Republic introduction

Re-entering the world of podcasting with a new purpose. A brief discussion of one of the ideas from Hamlet and how slavery of the mind is the worst kind of slavery.

Slavery and the proper feeding of the soul

A brief discussion about that great classic movie blade runner from 1981 and its current relevance to our situation.

Blade runner and isolation

What legacy do we leave? Does history teach us anything about the unforeseen consequences of our fear?

The covid perspective

So here we are again It's always such a pleasure

Let's Do Lunch - Cameron Thompson Round 2

Ben and I have been working together since 2001.  We met at Patrick's and had a lively discussion about language, culture, mathematics, religion and the pathways that led us both to our understanding of our place in the universe.

Let's Do Lunch - Ben Blackhawk

I have known Laura for many years working first with her as a colleague at Providence Academy in Plymouth, MN.  She attended Hillsdale College in Michigan where she was first exposed to the great books and classical thinking.  Currently Laura is a middle school teacher at Saint Jerome Classical School.   In this episode we met at the Panera Bread  at Shingle Creek Pkwy in Minnesota.  I had a coffee and their good Cuban Sandwich & our conversation explored her background in education and journey toward the classics, as well as discussing the current nature of education and parenting in the modern world.

Let's Do Lunch - Laura Leonard

Discussing the strange sense that I am a fraud who will one day be exposed before my peers.

Henry V & Imposter Syndrome

Adam and I have known each other for many years. In this episode we met at Claddagh Irish pub in Maple Grove. The conversation ranged from Arthurian stories to modern literature to movies and culture. We both agreed the teaching although a risky and subversive profession is also the noblest. We would both rather be Achilles than Ares. I had the shepherds pie and a Guinness; Adam had the fish and I got him to try scotch eggs for the first time. I highly recommend the Claddagh.

Let’s Do Lunch: Adam Schmalzbauer

Margaret and I discuss the paradox of the Incarnation as a peaceful Messiah. There doesn’t seem to be any precedent for this event in history. Nor is there any parallel in any other religion or culture. And like all paradoxes it raises more questions that it resolves.

The Peaceful Messiah (with Margaret L)

I first worked with Dr. Cameron Mikael Thompson, anthropologist and moral psychologist, at Chesterton Academy in Edina, MN.   Cameron specializes in human formation (the applied science of personalistic psychology) and culture. His recent focus has been the restoration and revival of authentic Christian culture. You can find him at http://cameronmthompson.com, and his podcast, The Marchese di Carabas, can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marchese-di-carab%C3%A0s-podcast/id1449507745 We met together for this interview at the excellent restaurant, Augustine's in St. Paul; 1668 Selby Ave. to be exact.  I highly recommend the STEAK AND EGGS BENEDICT; Shaved beef, bacon jam, muenster, harissa hollandaise and crispy shallots on an English muffin with American fries.  MMMMMboy!  I highly recommend it. His podcast, The Marchese di Carabas, can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marchese-di-carab%C3%A0s-podcast/id1449507745

Let's Do Lunch - Dr. Cameron Thompson

Reflection on Stonehenge and other neolithic structures. How long they’ve lasted and what in our culture will last when we are long gone. https://www.foxnews.com/science/swedish-stonehenge-ancient-stone-structure-spurs-debate https://www.ancient.eu/Newgrange/ https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap180923.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_of_Brodgar https://astronomynow.com/2016/08/19/britains-pre-stonehenge-megaliths-were-aligned-by-astronomers/ https://www.livescience.com/41349-ley-lines.html https://www.smithsonianmag.com/articles/europe-megalithic-monuments-france-sea-routes-mediterranean-180971467/

Stonehenge abides

Then it struck me why is there no futuristic writing before the 1800s? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Man http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/18247/pg18247-images.html

Ep 010 The Enlightenment & futuristic writing

"Art influencing life influencing art." Bringing to bear the works of human culture from the past upon the dilemma of living in the present era. Cover art photo provided by Patrick Fore on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@patrickian4

hubhopper

AVALON

hubhopper