Armand D’Angour is a British classicist, musician, and professor at Oxford University. He specializes in ancient Greek culture, literature, and music and is known for his groundbreaking work in reconstructing ancient Greek music. He is the author of several books including Socrates in Love, which reimagines the early life of Socrates and the woman who may have inspired his philosophy.

In this episode, D'Angour takes us into the hidden life of Socrates, exploring how love, ambition, military service, and personal tragedy shaped one of history’s greatest thinkers. We uncover a side of Socrates rarely discussed, not just the public philosopher but the private man driven by powerful emotions, battlefield experience, and deep relationships.

We explore Socrates’ early years, his role as a courageous soldier in the Peloponnesian War, the influence of Aspasia and other key figures, and the deep personal motivations that may have fueled his later teachings. D’Angour reveals how the familiar image of the detached rational Socrates leaves out a vital human story of passion, courage, and profound transformation.

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🎧 Armand D’Angour's podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/699aJNCCGFlLXERFLWW3lT

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro

(01:00) Sources for the early life of Socrates

(06:00) The relationship between Alcibiades and Socrates

(16:28) Socrates as a soldier

(23:10) The woman who taught Socrates about love

(37:10) Socrates tries to protect Aspasia’s son

(41:52) Socrates was involved in elite circle

(54:30) Socrates heard a voice in his head

(59:05) Socrates stood still for an entire day and night

(01:03:11) The trial and execution of Socrates