Why Plato Matters Now

Overview

In this talk Professor Angie Hobbs explores three of the key ways (there are many more!) in which Plato’s methodology, arguments and ideas can help us articulate, think through and address contemporary challenges.

Firstly, through his selection of the dialogue form he shows us how difficult issues can be discussed in constructive ways, where the interlocutors collaborate in a search for truth; he also deliberately offers models of how not to do it — dialogues in which one of the interlocutors aims not at truth, but victory by any means — whether through bullying or verbal tricks. Plato thus offers us the tools to help bridge current political, religious and cultural divides and to spot and combat fake news and fallacies; these tools are already proving of great benefit in primary and secondary education and are being expanded: for example, Professor Angie Hobbs has recently been giving training sessions in the question-and-answer technique to the civil service.

Secondly, Professor Angie Hobbs will look at Plato’s ethics of individual and communal flourishing — ‘flourishing’ is a more objective concept than happiness — and indicate how it can assist greatly in matters of healthcare, education, the training of AI systems and urban and environmental planning; Professor Angie Hobbs will briefly discuss work she has been doing with the NHS Strategy Unit in how to apply an ethics of flourishing at various points in the care pathway, such as in the prioritisation of waiting lists.

Finally, Professor Angie Hobbs will outline Plato’s brilliant analysis in the Republic of how a democracy can be subverted to tyranny by a cynical demagogue (although Plato was not a great fan of direct democracy — the only kind he knew — he nevertheless thought it greatly preferable to tyranny, of which he had had direct experience in Syracuse, at the court of Dionysius I).  This incisive analysis enables us to remain alert and spot problems in our own democracies before it is too late; in particular, we need to pay attention to Plato’s warning to watch out for the corruption of language (he highlights the abuse of  ‘freedom’) and the subversion of moral terms (such as ‘courage’), and the importance of remaining proactive agents, and not simply reacting to events.

Interview

Read our interview with Professor Angie Hobbs HERE

Book Signing

There will be a book signing event after the talk, hosted by House of Books and Friends, so attendees can meet and buy a signed copy of Professor Hobbs’ Book – ‘Why Plato Matters Now’

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. Booking is strongly advised.

Access

The venue is wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet on the ground floor. Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk