Socratic Smarts numaticJ

As a partial response to the Joe Rogan Experience #1428 w/ Brian Greene - this episode explores (traditionally) religious questions, examining the transcendent benefits often associated with religious beliefs from a philosophical and metaphorical perspective. We look at the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece, unpacking how Athens integrated the Olympic Pantheon from the Ancient Greek myths. Moreover, we spend the final segment looking at the Euthyphro dilemma - observing the difficulties and challenges which surround any interpretation of a "divine" text.





Primary Material:

Carlos Gómez - The Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece

J. W. Roberts - City of Sokrates: An Introduction to Classical Athens

Plato - Euthyphro (in Complete Works by J. M. Cooper)

This episode examines the concept of humour - looking at the morality and usefulness of humour. We juxtapose today's ideas about humour with the plays of Athens, exploring the connections between comedy and tragedy. The defamed reputation of Socrates also poses interesting questions, as he is misportrayed by Aristophanes in his play Clouds.
Moreover, we attempt to convey a deeper use for humour - a letter from Seneca underscoring how one may use humour to endure serious hardships in life.


For enquires: socraticsmarts@gmail.com

Primary Material:
City of Sokrates - J. W. Roberts
On Facing Hardships - Tao of Seneca
Elephant in the Brain - Kevin Simler, Robin Hanson

This episode investigates the concept of rhetoric, an essential skill of speaking aimed at eliciting an emotional response. We look at how rhetoric is employed in modern media & politics - juxtaposing this with how the art of speaking was viewed in Athenian society.
 
In the last segment, we also examine some excerpts from the Phaedrus - demonstrating how Socrates deals with arguments which are merely rhetorical.

For enquires - socraticsmarts@gmail.com

This episode looks at the tool of conversation, exploring how humans have developed the ability to share ideas and arguments in compelling ways. In the first segment, we unpack what a conversation is and it's potential to radically change our minds and expose our own ignorant beliefs. The last two segments look at excerpts from The Republic, whereby Socrates and Thrasymachus debate the nature of what "justice" is. We also briefly examine a Buddhist scripture on the power of conversation to dramatically transform one's character - making a monk out of a murderer.
For feedback and enquires contact socraticsmarts@gmail.com

This episode examines the philosophy of Nihilism and it's connection to death. Exploring the feelings of emptiness that we can all experience in this life - Jay takes a look at more of Nagel's arguments on the topic of The Absurd, and in the last segment Seneca and Stoic philosophy are also investigated as possible remedies to the "problem" of nihilism.

In the first episode of Socratic Smarts, we prime our understanding of Socrates and discuss how he was viewed from within Athenian society. We also look at the Apology from his point-of-view, underscoring his rigid and deep commitment to philosophy. In the final segment, we discuss Thomas Nagel's essays (Mortal Questions).