Gregg Hurwitz, the New York Times bestselling author of the Orphan X series and a storyteller whose work spans many mediums and genres, in conversation with Stephen Blackwood, the founding president of Ralston College, and with students enrolled in the inaugural year of the College's MA in the Humanities program. In this live event—recorded on [date] at Ralston College—Hurwitz discusses the concrete details of his own writing practice and explains how his training in literature and psychology have informed his craft. He reflects on how storytelling helps us to understand the self and on the real-world value of learning to speak with honesty and authenticity.

Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode:

Sigmund Freud

Carl Jung

Joseph Campbell

Gregg Hurwitz, You're Next

The Sixth Sense (film)

Romanticism

William Wordsworth, "Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood"

William Blake, Songs of Innocence and of Experience

Transcendentalism

Kurt Vonnegut

James Joyce, "The Dead"; Ulyssess

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tender is the Night

William Faulkner, Light in August; As I Lay Dying; The Sound and the Fury

Raymond Chandler

Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment

Edgar Allan Poe, "The Tell-Tale Heart"

Albert Camus, The Stranger

James M. Cain, The Postman Always Rings Twice

Carl Rogers

Lord Byron

Batman (comic series)

Punisher (comic series)

Richard Wagner, Der Ring des Nibelungen

Pablo Picasso

Joan Didion

The Book of Henry (film)

Alan Moore

Dr Michael Hurley, Professor of Literature and Theology at Trinity College in the University of Cambridge, delivers a lecture to students in Ralston College's inaugural Master's in the Humanities program on the intertwining of language and thought in the work of three major Victorian authors: Walter Pater, John Henry Newman, and Gerard Manley Hopkins. Prof. Hurley argues that, far from being merely ornamental, in these authors style is constitutive of thought and the difficult pursuit of beauty is inextricable from the pursuit of truth.

—

Ralston College

Website: https://www.ralston.ac/

Ralston College Humanities MA: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah

X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege

—

00:00 Introduction to the Lecture and Its Significance

01:40 The Special Context of the Lecture

02:00 Exploring the Relationship Between Language and Thought

04:20 Diving Into the Logos Through Literature

21:00 Examining the Dual Nature of Logos

34:00 Analyzing Texts: A Deep Dive into Aestheticism, Truth, and the Logos

43:40 Concluding Reflections and Open Discussion

—

Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode:

Pythagoras

Anti-Empiricism

St. John the Evangelist

Logos

Heraclitus

Romanticism

David Jones

Matthew Arnold, "Dover Beach"

Sophocles

Peloponnesian War

John Henry Newman

William Blake

W.B. Yeats

Margot Collis

G.K. Chesterton

William James, "The Present Dilemma in Philosophy"

Pragmatism

Walter Pater, Studies in the History of the Renaissance

Walter Pater, "Style"

Aestheticism

Oscar Wilde

Harold Bloom

Melos

Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa

Prolepsis

Hypotaxis

Parataxis

Cicero

Virgil

Gerard Manley Hopkins, "God's Grandeur"; "As Kingfishers Catch Fire"; "Carrion Comfort"

William Shakespeare, Hamlet

In this lecture, delivered on March 30, 2023, as part of the Drummond Lecture Series at Hillsdale College, Dr. Stephen Blackwood—the founding president of Ralston College—argues that we must first understand something's nature before we can properly care for and cultivate it. This principle holds true for all living things—including plants and animals—but it is seen in its fullest complexity in human beings as they seek to realize their unique potential through the concrete challenges and conditions of their individual lives. Drawing richly upon both text and images, Dr. Blackwood explains that the actualization of our potential is not inevitable but instead relies upon us being rooted in a culture that can nurture, sustain, and challenge us as we seek to orient our subjective and finite experiences of the world toward eternal and infinite realities. Dr. Blackwood's lecture is a call to action for both individuals and institutions, reminding us of our sacred duty to both realize our own gifts and to accompany and support others as they seek to do the same.

Resources

Ralston College

Website: https://www.ralston.ac/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah

X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege

Ralston College Humanities MA:

https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma

Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

radix (Latin, "root)

William Shakespeare, Hamlet

The Biblical book of Ezekiel

Ugo da Carpi

cultus, (Latin, "cultivation, culture, education, devotion")

Aristotle, De Anima

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics

St. Augustine

Anthony Daniels / Theodore Dalrymple

thaumazein (θαυμάζω) (Ancient Greek, "wonder")

Sigrid Undset, Kristen Lavransdatter

Gerard Manley Hopkins, "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo"

Homer, Odyssey

Pythagoras

Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy

Cal Newport, Deep Work

Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism

Gerard Manley Hopkins, "As Kingfishers Catch Fire"

Quotes

"Life can only be lived for itself. And only you can live that life." - Stephen Blackwood [00:15:54]

"We need a true radicalism. A return to root as both anchor and nourishing source." - Stephen Blackwood [00:16:07]

"You must string the bow, the bow of your soul, and let it sing. That irreducible particularity, that finite smallness of you, the intricacy and difficulty of your own life, is also where the greatness is. I encourage you, with everything I've got, to go out and find it." - Stephen Blackwood [00:53:15]

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction: Realizing Human Potential through Education: A Vision for Culture and the Human Person

00:06:30 - Hillsdale's Outsized Influence: How a Small College Cuts Through Noise to Seek Truth

00:09:00 - Rediscovering the True Meaning of Radical: Uncovering the Fundamentals of Human Nature

00:17:10 - Realizing Potential: The Dynamics of Growth in Natural Beings

00:28:30 - The Quest for Self-Knowledge: Exploring the Depths of Human Nature

00:35:00 - Transcending Self: The Search for Meaning Beyond the Empirical

00:40:00 - Integrating Self and Transcendence: Navigating Human Complexity and Connection

00:50:40 - Conclusion: The Infinite Particularity: Embracing the Unique Symphony of the Soul

00:54:10 - Q&A Session: Providence, Self-Determination, and Cultural Meaning at Hillsdale College

In his lecture, Jonathan Pageau presents a thoughtful examination of the Last Judgment through the lens of a late-11th-century mosaic, challenging the traditional view of it as solely an end-time event. He suggests that this imagery symbolizes an ongoing process of identity formation, where every entity acts as a judge, continually evaluating its alignment with its essence. This interpretation casts the Last Judgment in a new light, with the ideal human being as the ultimate measure of this alignment. Pageau further delves into how this imagery interacts with its placement within the church, enhancing the narrative of creation and ultimate fulfillment. He draws attention to the layered symbols within the scene, such as the crucifixion and harrowing of Hades. By exploring the cosmic symbolism—Christ as the source, the sheep and goats as symbols of inclusion or exclusion, and the strategic placement of figures—Pageau encourages a view of the Last Judgment not as a daunting reckoning but as a powerful allegory for the continuous formation and evaluation of identity against a higher ideal. This perspective not only demystifies the traditional fears associated with the Last Judgment but also prompts a personal reflection on how we align with broader, universal truths.

Jonathan Pageau is a renowned artist and the host of The Symbolic World podcast. He specializes in the interpretation of symbolic patterns across various cultural and historical contexts. Learn more about Jonathan Pageau and embark on a journey into the symbolic universe by visiting his podcast at http://thesymbolicworld.com and his website at http://www.pageaucarvings.com.

Glossary of Terms

Iconography: The visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these.

Byzantine Art: A style of art developed in the eastern Mediterranean, characterized by its religious themes and extensive use of icons.

Resources

Ralston College

Website: https://www.ralston.ac/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah

X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege

Images

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Torcello, Italy: The Last Judgement, Apse Mosaics

Church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy: 6th century Mosaic

The Basilica of Saint Sabina, Rome, Italy: Wooden door panels depicting The Ascension

Ascension of Christ, Rabbula Gospel Book (fol. 13v)

The Monastery of Apollo at Bawit, Egypt

Chapel of the Domus Galilaeae, Israel

Russian the Last Judgment Icon (Novgorod version, 15th century)

Quotes

"I believe that the image of the Last Judgment is actually a way to understand how identity formation functions." - Jonathan Pageau [00:09:00]

"We have to transform people; that's real. And that is undeniable when you meet someone that is transformed." - Jonathan Pageau [00:57:00]

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Medieval Cosmos and Jonathan Pageau

00:06:30 - The Image of the Last Judgment and Its Significance

00:13:40 - Exploring the Fractal Nature of Medieval Symbols

00:17:40 - Understanding the Last Judgment and Its Structure

00:24:40 - Iconographic Representation of Christ, the Virgin, and Saints

00:29:00 - The Right Hand and Left Hand of Christ in the Last Judgment

00:37:00 - The Hetoimasia and the Prepared Throne

00:39:20 - Depictions of Paradise and Hell in the Last Judgment

00:50:20 - The Problem of Fragmentation and the Nature of Sin

00:55:00 - From Division to Unity: The Path Forward

00:57:50 - Q&A Session: Symbolism, Imagery, Rationality, and Integration

In the culminating fifth lecture of the Sophia Lecture series, Professor Douglas Hedley culminates his exploration by delving into play's theological dimension, engaging with Marsilio Ficino, Desiderius Erasmus, and Plotinus to dissect 'serious play', a pivotal concept in Renaissance thought. Throughout the lecture series, Hedley has traversed play's philosophical terrain, examining its roots, the vital role of language in human development, the journey into self-awareness, and the allure of aesthetics. In this lecture, he weaves together the interplay of wisdom and play within cultural narratives, delves into Plotinus' portrayal of the cosmos as a divine ballet, and highlights the synergy between divine ecstasy and human creativity. Additionally, he probes the impact of symbolic play in spiritual realms and underscores the critical role of femininity in the discourse on wisdom and play. Professor Hedley's contributions provide a rich, interconnected view of play as a gateway to a deeper understanding of our selves and the cosmos.

Douglas Hedley is a Professor in the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow at Clare College. His work spans the fields of philosophy, theology, and psychology, focusing on the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern thought.

Glossary of Terms

Kenosis: The self-emptying of one's own will and becoming entirely receptive to God's divine will.

Resources

Ralston College

Website: https://www.ralston.ac/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah

X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege

Douglas Hedley

https://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedley

Living Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley https://www.amazon.com/Living-Forms-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/0567032957

Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley https://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Imagined-Violence-Atonement-Sacred/dp/1441194452

The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley https://www.amazon.com/Iconic-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/1441194630

The Ages of the World 1811 - Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling https://www.amazon.com/Ages-World-Contemporary-Continental-Philosophy/dp/1438474059

Man at Play - Hugo Rahner S.J. https://www.amazon.com/Man-Play-Hugo-Rahner-S-J/dp/1949899799

Plotinus: Myth, Metaphor, and Philosophical Practice - Stephen R. L. Clark https://www.amazon.com/Plotinus-Myth-Metaphor-Philosophical-Practice/dp/022633967X

Quotes

"While our Plato often discusses in a hidden matter, the duty belonging to mankind, it sometimes seems as though he's joking and playing. But platonic games and jokes are much more serious than the serious things of the Stoics." - Douglas Hedley, originally from Marsilio Ficino [00:10:20]

"All fleeting things are just an image. The imperishable is here an event. The indescribable is thus done. The eternal feminine draws us upwards." Douglas Hedley, paraphrasing Johann Wolfgang von Goethe [00:45:40]

Chapters

[00:00:00] Introduction and Musical Performance

[00:04:00] Formal Introduction of Professor Douglas Hedley

[00:09:35] Exploring the Philosophical and Theological Dimensions of Play

[00:16:40] The Renaissance Connection: Erasmus and the Play of Wisdom

[00:22:20] Plotinus and the Cosmic Dance of Creation

[00:27:00] Playfulness in Theology and Philosophy

[00:32:00] Sacred Play: The Intersection of Divine Joy and Human Creativity

[00:36:40] The Iconic Imagination: Symbols and Play in Spiritual Life

[00:42:00] Femininity, Wisdom, and Play in Cultural Traditions

[00:52:00] Concluding Thoughts on Play and Human Development

[00:56:12] Audience Q&A: Insights on Play, Culture, and Society

In the fourth Sophia Lecture, Professor Douglas Hedley explores the transformative power of play in art and human consciousness, examining its philosophical significance across various cultures and traditions. Hedley highlights play's role in fostering aesthetic appreciation and creativity, embarking on a historical and philosophical journey from ancient wisdom to modern interpretations. He scrutinizes the aesthetic crisis in contemporary art, noting its departure from traditional notions of beauty and creativity, and weaves together intriguing concepts from evolutionary psychology, post-structuralist theories, and sacred art dimensions. Central to his discussion are the contributions of Kant, Schiller, and Gadamer, which shed light on art's role in society and individual lives. The lecture culminates in a compelling argument to reignite beauty's appreciation, urging a re-embrace of art's transformative potential in contemporary discourse. By positioning art as a conduit for truth and moral reflection, Hedley calls for a rediscovery of the deep connections between art, beauty, and the human condition.

Douglas Hedley is a Professor in the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow at Clare College. His work spans the fields of philosophy, theology, and psychology, focusing on the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern thought.

Glossary of Terms

Aesthetics: The branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste.

Resources

Ralston College

Website: https://www.ralston.ac/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah

X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege

Douglas Hedley

https://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedley

Living Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley https://www.amazon.com/Living-Forms-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/0567032957

Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley https://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Imagined-Violence-Atonement-Sacred/dp/1441194452

The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley https://www.amazon.com/Iconic-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/1441194630

Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga

https://www.amazon.com/Homo-Ludens-Study-Play-Element-Culture/dp/1621389995

Truth and Method - Hans-Georg Gadamer https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Method-Hans-Georg-Gadamer/dp/0826405851

Likeness and Presence: A History of the Image before the Era of Art - Hans Belting https://www.amazon.com/Likeness-Presence-History-Image-before/dp/0226042154

Quotes

"Friedrich Schiller observes that man only plays when he is in the fullest sense of the word a human being, and he is only fully a human being when he plays." - Douglas Hedley [00:15:49]

There has emerged a widely documented crisis of aesthetics. In the wake of Duchamp, or Warhol, it becomes more difficult to speak of the artwork, or indeed, aesthetic experience, more broadly." - Douglas Hedley [00:03:52]

Chapters

00:00:00] Introduction to the Aesthetics of Play

[00:02:25] Philosophical Significance of Art, Beauty, and Aesthetics

[00:17:00] Kant's Contribution to Aesthetics and the Concept of Genius

[00:24:00] Schiller's Aesthetic Education of Man and the Concept of Play

[00:33:40] Gadamer's Exploration of Art's Ontology and the Critical Role of Play

[00:52:56] Audience Questions and Reflections

In the third lecture of the Sophia Lecture series, Professor Douglas Hedley embarks on an intellectual journey that explores the enigmatic nature of play and its profound impact on human life, drawing from ancient philosophies and modern psychological theories. Delving into the works of Heraclitus and Plato, Hedley examines the paradoxical relationship between play and seriousness and how this dynamic shapes our understanding of life's deepest questions. He discusses the transformative power of poetic language, the importance of embracing the child's soul, and the role of play as a bridge between our inner realities and the external world. Furthermore, Hedley reflects on mental health, cultural shifts, and the significance of the humanities in providing a sense of purpose and meaning, ultimately arguing that engaging with foundational texts and embracing play can help us navigate the complexities of modern life and contribute to our overall well-being.

Douglas Hedley is a Professor in the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow at Clare College. His work spans the fields of philosophy, theology, and psychology, focusing on the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern thought.

Glossary of Terms

Ion: Time period, sometimes interpreted as "lifetime" or "eternity."

Sophrosyne: Excellence in character; moderation; self-control; leading to well-being.

Resources

Ralston College

Website: https://www.ralston.ac/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah

X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege

Douglas Hedley

https://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedley

Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga

https://www.amazon.com/Homo-Ludens-Study-Play-Element-Culture/dp/1621389995

The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure - Greg Lukianoff Jonathan Haidt https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation/dp/0735224897

Playing and Reality - D. W. Winnicott https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Reality-Routledge-Classics-86/dp/0415345464

Civilization and Its Discontents - Sigmund Freud https://www.amazon.com/Civilization-Its-Discontents-Sigmund-Freud/dp/0393304515

Modern Man in Search of a Soul - C. G. Jung https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Man-Search-Soul-Jung/dp/1684220904

The Red Book - C. G. Jung https://www.amazon.com/Red-Book-Philemon-C-Jung/dp/0393065677

Poetic Diction: A Study in Meaning - Owen Barfield https://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Diction-Meaning-Wesleyan-Paperback/dp/081956026X

Plato. "Laws." Translated by Benjamin Jowett, The Internet Classics Archive. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/laws.html

Homer. "The Iliad." Translated by Samuel Butler, The Internet Classics Archive. https://classics.mit.edu/Homer/iliad.html

Quotes

"Does it mean a lifetime, time, or eternity is nothing but a child playing? Playing checkers or draughts. Kingship belonging to the child. Does this mean that living like a child is somehow to live like a king? Or is it a claim about the universe that all is chance?" - Douglas Hedley (on the enigmatic utterance of the ancient philosopher Heraclitus) [00:03:34]

"Meaning cannot be generated by human conventions… but only on the assumption that meaning is grounded in the logos and indeed the transformation of consciousness through poetic language." - Douglas Hedley [00:08:29]

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the Sophia Lecture Series and Professor Hedley

[00:02:00] - The Enigma of Heraclitus' Riddles on Time and Play

[00:05:00] - Plato's Laws on Play and its Role in Life

[00:08:00] - The Transformation of Consciousness Through Language

[00:10:00] - The Significance of Mental Health and Play in Contemporary Society

[00:19:00] - Exploring Donald Winnicott's Theory of Play

[00:29:00] - Carl Jung and the Concept of the Daimon

[00:54:00] - The Legacy of Play in Philosophical and Psychological Thought

[00:58:00] - Q&A Session: Academia, Play, Suffering, and Self-Understanding

[01:12:00] - Concluding Reflections

In this second episode of the Sophia Lectures, Professor Douglas Hedley from the University of Cambridge embarks on a deep exploration into the theme of "play" and its relationship to consciousness, language, and poetic expression. Drawing upon the intellectual legacies of Owen Barfield and Hans-Georg Gadamer, Hedley explores the philosophical and theological dimensions of language, highlighting its role in shaping our understanding of existence. He discusses the concept of the "inner word" as described by Augustine and how poetry serves as a bridge between the tangible and the abstract, allowing for playful exploration of meaning. Hedley critiques modern perspectives on consciousness, suggesting that they often overlook the importance of play in human experience. Through discussions on the significance of metaphor, the societal role of poetry, and the collective versus individual nature of consciousness, Hedley offers a comprehensive examination of how language and poetry are fundamental to our comprehension of the world and how play is a vital aspect of this process. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of language, consciousness, and the human condition, providing a rich tapestry of philosophical inquiry and reflection.

Douglas Hedley is a distinguished philosopher at the University of Cambridge, celebrated for his extensive research in the philosophy of religion and Platonism. He is the author of multiple influential works on imagination and religious experience.

Glossary of Terms

Language games: A concept introduced by Ludwig Wittgenstein that highlights the importance of usage and practice in shaping meaning

Resources

Ralston College

Website: https://www.ralston.ac/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah

X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege

Douglas Hedley

https://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedley

Philosophical Investigations - Ludwig Wittgenstein https://www.amazon.com/Philosophical-Investigations-Ludwig-Wittgenstein/dp/0631205691

The Trinity (Works of Saint Augustine: A Translation for the 21st Century) - Saint Augustine https://www.amazon.com/Trinity-2nd-Works-Saint-Augustine/dp/1565484460

Saving the Appearances: A Study in Idolatry - Owen Barfield https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Appearances-Idolatry-Owen-Barfield/dp/081956205X

Truth and Method - Hans-Georg Gadamer https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Method-Hans-Georg-Gadamer/dp/0826405851

Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature - Richard Rorty https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Mirror-Nature-Richard-Rorty/dp/0691020167

Augustine-Confessions-vol-1.pdf - Augustine. (n.d.). Confessions, Vol. 1. https://wesleyscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Augustine-Confessions-vol-1.pdf

Plato. (n.d.). Alcibiades 1.

https://www.platonicfoundation.org/platos-alcibiades-1/

Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga

https://www.amazon.com/Homo-Ludens-Study-Play-Element-Culture/dp/1621389995

Quotes

"The great archetypal activities of human society are all permeated with play from the start." - Johann Huizinga, Homo Ludens [00:02:30]

"I think consciousness is fundamental to existence. In fact, it's the great philosophical question of our age." - Douglas Hedley [01:01:24]

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Sophia Lectures: Overview and Introduction of Professor Douglas Hedley

[00:02:00] - Exploring Play and Language: Merging Huizinga's Play Concept with Wittgenstein's Language Games and Investigations to Reveal Language's Essence in Shaping Human Culture and Thought.

[00:20:00] - The Inner Word and the Play of Meaning: Exploring Augustine's Inner Word and Poetry's Power to Unveil Transcendent Truths.

[00:26:00] - Tradition, Interpretation, and the Essence of Language: Exploring the Intellectual Legacies of Barfield and Gadamer, Their Critique of Modernism, and the Philosophical Significance of Language's Transcendental Source.

[00:52:00] - Participation, Aesthetics, and the Divine Word: Navigating Gadamer's Concept of Participation through Platonic Light, Aesthetic Experience, and the Theological Depths of Language.

[01:00:00] - Audience Q&A and Concluding Reflections

University of Cambridge philosopher, Professor Douglas Hedley, delves into the concept of play and its vital role in understanding the human condition. Drawing on Johann Huizinga, Hermann Hesse, and Josef Pieper's ideas, Hedley links play to the divine act of creation, asserting it as an essential element of our existence associated with freedom, creativity, and spirituality. He considers various viewpoints from Christian and Eastern traditions, addressing criticisms and underscoring play's civilizing role. Through Hermann Hesse's "The Glass Bead Game," Hedley probes into play's societal function, its ties to leisure and festivals, and its life-enriching effects. The lecture's Q&A session offers additional insights, marking it as a significant resource for those intrigued by play's profound meanings.

Douglas Hedley is a distinguished philosopher at the University of Cambridge, celebrated for his extensive research in the philosophy of religion and Platonism. He is the author of multiple influential works on imagination and religious experience.

Glossary of Terms

Sophia: Greek word for wisdom, used in the context of the lecture series to signify the exploration of wisdom through philosophy.

The Delphic Oracle: The ancient Greek oracle at Delphi, famous for its cryptic predictions and guidance, including the maxim 'know thyself.'

Resources

Website: https://www.ralston.ac/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralstoncollege/

Douglas Hedley https://www.divinity.cam.ac.uk/directory/douglas-hedley https://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedley

Living Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley

Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley

The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley

The History of Religious Imagination in Christian Platonism, Exploring the Philosophy of Douglas Hedley - Christian Hengstermann

Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga

In the Shadow of Tomorrow: A Diagnosis of the Modern Distemper - Johan Huizinga

Leisure: The Basis of Culture - Josef Pieper

The Glass Bead Game (Magister Ludi) - Hermann Hesse

The Journey to the East - Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha - Hermann Hesse

Religion in Human Evolution: From the Paleolithic to the Axial Age - Robert N. Bellah

Tertullian. (n.d.). De Spectaculis.

De Ludo Globi: The Game of Spheres - Nicholas de Cusa

Plato. (n.d.). Symposium. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/symposium.html

Plato. (n.d.). Phaedo. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/phaedo.html

Plato. (n.d.). Laws. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/laws.1.i.html

Quotes

"Platonic games and jokes are much more serious than the serious things of the Stoics." - Marsilio Ficino [00:09:20]

"Play may well be a key to understanding something about ourselves." - Douglas Hedley [00:09:00]

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Introduction [00:01:00] - Welcome and introduction of Sophia lectures series [00:06:40] - Topic introduction: The Spirit of Play [00:08:13] - Guest speaker introduction: Professor Douglas Hedley [00:09:40] - Distinguishing play and game [00:15:00] - Play as an intimation of the sacred [00:20:40] - The link between play and freedom [00:26:40] - Essentialism and play as an essential part of human condition [00:31:20] - Critique of play within the Christian tradition [00:36:50] - The glass bead game by Hermann Hesse [00:45:00] - Critique of Mandarin culture in the glass bead game [00:51:00] - Religious aspect of play [01:02:00] - Suspicion of leisure in Anglo-American culture [01:04:00] - Q&A session [01:37:19] - Conclusion of Q&A session and end of the lecture

In the inaugural episode of the Sophia Lecture Series, Ralston College President Stephen Blackwood and distinguished Cambridge Professor Douglas Hedley explore "The Spirit of Play", delving into the enigmatic nature of play, its historical and philosophical significance, and its intricate connection with human culture and imagination. This discussion highlights that concept's relevance in today's society, its role in fostering a comprehensive understanding of human experience, and its importance in addressing fundamental questions of human existence. By examining the playful foundations of philosophical inquiry and the significance of imagination, this conversation encourages listeners to embrace a richer, more nuanced view of the world, ultimately challenging our understanding of human culture and intellectual pursuits.

Douglas Hedley is a distinguished philosopher at the University of Cambridge, celebrated for his extensive research in the philosophy of religion and Platonism. He is the author of multiple influential works on imagination and religious experience.

Resources

Ralston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah X: https://twitter.com/RalstonCollege Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralstoncollege/

Douglas Hedley https://www.divinity.cam.ac.uk/directory/douglas-hedley https://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedley

Living Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley

Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley

The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley

Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga

Truth and Method - Hans-Georg Gadamer

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Praise of Folly. Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Quotes

"The concept of play...straddles evolutionary history, psychology, ethics, aesthetics, even religion." - Douglas Hedley [00:01:24]

"Play, perhaps surprisingly, has quite a significant role in the history of philosophy." - Douglas Hedley [00:02:53]

"Metaphysics is our spiritual oxygen." - Douglas Hedley [00:17:35]

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Professor Douglas Hedley and the Sophia Lecture Series [00:01:20] - Discussion on the choice of "The Spirit of Play" as the lectures' topic [00:02:00] - Explanation of play's multifaceted nature [00:04:40] - Importance of play in understanding human experience [00:05:00] - Recommendation of Johan Huizinga's Homo Ludens [00:07:00] - Connection between play and the history of philosophy [00:08:20] - Kant, Schiller, and Gadamer's perspectives on play [00:09:20] - Ralston College as a vision of Christian humanism [00:10:40] - Philosophy as a way of life and the importance of friendship [00:11:20] - Learning through imitation and the educational experience [00:12:40] - Joy from immersion in the philosophical tradition [00:13:20] - Challenges to traditional humanities in contemporary culture [00:14:20] - The richness of the Christian Platonic tradition [00:15:20] - Discussion on ultimate questions independent of social constructs [00:16:40] - The significance of beauty in the cosmos [00:18:00] - Conclusion and appreciation for Hedley's contributions