Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Discussion centers on a hypothetical conversation between the ancient Greek philosophers and epic heroes; specifically a potential dialogue between Socrates and Achilles and Odysseus in the afterlife. Conversation turned to the possibility that Socrates would probably not consider Odysseus to have sophiā, potentially exposing him. Participants also noted potential parallels between Socrates and Achilles, where the former seems to make the same two-fated choice of dying rather than compromising. Other topics included the role of Plato in both the Socratic dialogues and as potential director of the epic play; writing as a form of copying and thus, poor substitute for dialogue; the theory of ideal forms; and the significance of the observer or of theōriā.
Recorded in Spring 2020 during v13 of the MOOC The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 22 and 23, and responses to the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
Discussion centers on a hypothetical conversation between the ancient Greek philosophers and epic heroes; specifically a potential dialogue between Socrates and Achilles and Odysseus in the afterlife. Conversation turned to the possibility that Socrates would probably not consider Odysseus to have sophiā, potentially exposing him. Participants also noted potential parallels between Socrates and Achilles, where the former seems to make the same two-fated choice of dying rather than compromising. Other topics included the role of Plato in both the Socratic dialogues and as potential director of the epic play; writing as a form of copying and thus, poor substitute for dialogue; the theory of ideal forms; and the significance of the observer or of theōriā.
Recorded in Spring 2020 during v13 of the MOOC The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 22 and 23, and responses to the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
