The Academy Podcast

After failing to cover the entirety of the Forms in one episode, we have returned to the discussion to go over Plato’s metaphors of the Sun, the dividing line, and the Cave. We expand upon the general understanding of these allegories and the conversation turns from a talk on philosophy to a deep discussion on faith, the soul, immortality, divinity, and revelation. In this episode we peel back the deeper layers of Platonic philosophy and expose a deeply religious and reverential system of thought. We hope you enjoy.  

Welcome back! We have finally reached our coverage of The Forms, one of Plato’s most important and controversial contributions to the field of philosophy. In this episode we lay the groundwork for why Plato believes in these universal concepts which he calls The Forms. We talk at great length about the realm of opinion or Doxa, the difference between a sight lover and a philosopher, the argument of opposites, and generally dismantle any previously held understanding of the Forms you may have had! 

Here we are at our sixth episode on Plato’s Republic and we have finally arrived at the section regarding the Philosopher King. We will be breaking up our coverage of the Philosopher King into three distinct episodes: what makes a philosopher king, the forms and their contemplation, and how the philosopher should be educated. This episode we cover the qualities of what makes a philosopher, what distinguishes the philosopher from other people, and is the philosopher king even possible. We also explore Plato’s hatred of democracy and talk a little on modern politics. Please listen and enjoy!