Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages with Armand Dungour, a professor of classics, to explore the themes of love as presented in Plato's Symposium. D'Angour discusses the historical context of the text, the various perspectives on love presented by its speakers, and the philosophical implications of Socrates' teachings. The conversation delves into the relevance of these ancient ideas in modern times, emphasizing the importance of understanding love's complexities and the influence of historical figures like Socrates and Diotima. D'Angour also shares insights into his own work and passion for making classical texts accessible to contemporary audiences.

Takeaways

The Symposium presents multiple viewpoints on love through its characters.

Socrates' teachings on love are influenced by his relationship with Diotima.

Love is portrayed as a harmonizing force in both personal and societal contexts.

The dialogue emphasizes the importance of true love over mere physical attraction.

Understanding love requires recognizing its complexities and nuances.

Plato's work remains relevant in modern discussions about love and relationships.

The concept of platonic love is rooted in Socratic philosophy.

Armand D'Angour aims to make classical texts accessible to modern readers.

The historical context of the Symposium enriches its themes of love.

Music and literature are intertwined in the exploration of ancient ideas. 

Keywords

Plato, Symposium, love, ancient texts, Socrates, Diotima, modern lovers, philosophy, classics, Armand D'Angour

Titles

Unraveling Love: Insights from Plato's Symposium

Socrates and Diotima: The Philosophical Foundations of Love

Sound bites

"An ancient guide for modern lovers."

"Love inspires creation."

"What matters is who you love."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Concept of Love in Ancient Texts

19:55 The Influence of Socrates and Diotima

39:05 Diverse Perspectives on Love: The Symposium's Speakers

47:45 Socrates and the Nature of True Love

01:04:43 Bridging Ancient and Modern Understandings of Love

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.