AI and the Battle for the Soul: Whom Does AI Serve? Jonathan Pageau on the Forces Shaping Technology Ralston College 2026-09-27 | AI and the Battle for the Soul: Whom Does AI Serve? Jonathan Pageau on the Forces Shaping Technology
Polytheism and the Polis: The Drama of the Individual Before the Self Ralston College 2024-08-26 | Ralston College Humanities MA:https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maDr Paul Epstein is a distinguished classicist and Professor Emeritus of Classics at Oklahoma State University, renowned for his extensive knowledge of Greek and Latin literature.In this lecture and discussion—delivered in Savannah during the inaugural year of Ralston College’s MA in the Humanities program—classicist Dr Paul Epstein considers how Sophocles’s tragedy The Women of Trachis and Aristophanes’s comedy Frogs arise from—and reflect upon—the polis-centered polytheism of Ancient Greece as it appeared during the Athenian flourishing of the fifth century BCProfessor Epstein explores how these Greek dramas articulate the relationship between human beings, the gods, and the community. Tragedy, in Professor Epstein’s account, is about the overall structure of the community, while comedy starts with the individual’s exploration of that community. Yet both forms ultimately reveal an understanding of the individual that is inseparable from the polis in which he or she lives. Professor Epstein argues that our contemporary notion of the self as an entity fundamentally separate from context would be entirely alien to the Ancient Greeks. Grasping this ancient understanding of the individual is vitally necessary if we are to correctly interpret the literary and philosophical texts of Hellenic antiquity.—0:00 Introduction of Professor Epstein by President Blackwood6:25 The Polytheistic World of the Polis01:09:35 Dialogue with Students on Polytheism and the Polis01:22:40 Sophocles’s The Women of Trachis01:44:10 Dialogue with Students About The Women of Trachis01:56:10 Introduction to Aristophanes' Frogs02:24:40 Dialogue with Students About Frogs 02:49:45 Closing Remarks for Professor Epstein's Lecture—Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in This Episode: Athenian flourishing of the fifth century BC Sophocles, Women of Trachis Aristophanes, FrogsWilliam ShakespearePlato, SymposiumAristophanes, LysistrataHomer, Odyssey Aristotle, PoeticsPeloponnesian War Plato, Apologynomizo (νομίζω)—translated in the talk as “acknowledge”nous (νοῦς)binein (Βινέω) Johann Joachim Winkelman Nicene Creed Titanic v. Olympian gods Hesiod Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility Sigmund Freud Existentialism techne (τέχνη)logos (λόγος)eros (Ἔρως) hubris (ὕβρις)Philip Larkin, “Annus Mirabilis” Athansian Creedpsuche (ψυχή)—translated in the talk as “soul”thelo (θέλω)—translated in the talk as “wishes” Aristophanes, Cloudsmimesis (μίμησις) —Additional Resources:Dr Stephen Blackwood https://www.stephenjblackwood.com?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfRalston College (including newsletter)https://ralston.ac?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfSupport a New Beginning: https://www.ralston.ac/support-a-new-beginning?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelf—Thank you for watching!
Levels of Intelligibility and of the Self: Realizing the Dialectic | Dr John Vervaeke at Ralston Ralston College 2024-08-02 | Ralston College Humanities MA:https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma@johnvervaeke is a cognitive scientist and philosopher who explores the intersections of Neoplatonism, cognitive science, and the meaning crisis, focusing on wisdom practices, relevance realization, and personal transformation.Ralston College presents a lecture titled “Levels of Intelligibility, Levels of the Self: Realizing the Dialectic,” delivered by Dr John Vervaeke, an award-winning associate professor of cognitive science at the University of Toronto and creator of the acclaimed 50-episode “Awakening from the Meaning Crisis” series. In this lecture, Dr Vervaeke identifies our cultural moment as one of profound disconnection and resulting meaninglessness. Drawing on his own cutting-edge research as a cognitive scientist and philosopher, Vervaeke presents a way out of the meaning crisis through what he terms “third-wave Neoplatonism.” He reveals how this Neoplatonic framework, drawn in part from Plato’s conception of the tripartite human soul, corresponds to the modern understanding of human cognition and, ultimately, to the levels of reality itself. He argues that a synoptic integration across these levels is not only possible but imperative. —00:00 Levels of Intelligibility: Integrating Neoplatonism and Cognitive Science12:50 Stage One: Neoplatonic Psycho-ontology and the Path to Spirituality41:02 Aristotelian Science: Knowing as Conformity and Transformation46:36 Stoic Tradition: Agency, Identity, and the Flow of Nature01:00:10 Stage Two: Cognitive Science and the Integration of Self and Reality01:04:45 The Frame Problem and Relevance Realization 01:08:45 Relevance Realization and the Power of Human Cognition01:20:15 Transjective Reality: Affordances and Participatory Fittedness01:23:55 The Role of Relevance Realization: Self-Organizing Processes01:31:30 Predictive Processing and Adaptivity01:44:35 Critiquing Kant: The Case for Participatory Realism01:53:35 Stage Three: Neoplatonism and the Meaning Crisis 02:00:15 Q&A Session02:01:45 Q: What is the Ecology of Practices for Cultivating Wisdom?02:11:50 Q: How Has the Cultural Curriculum Evolved Over Time?02:26:30 Q: Does the World Have Infinite Intelligibility?02:33:50 Q: Most Meaningful Visual Art?02:34:15 Q: Social Media's Impact on Mental Health and Information?02:39:45 Q: What is Transjective Reality?02:46:35 Q: How Can Education Address the Meaning Crisis?02:51:50 Q: Advice for Building a College Community?02:55:30 Closing Remarks—Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: AntisthenesAristotleBrett AndersonByung-Chul HanCharles DarwinDaniel DennettD. C. SchindlerFriedrich NietzscheGalileo GalileiGottfried Wilhelm LeibnizHeraclitusHenry CorbinImmanuel KantIris MurdochIsaac NewtonIgor GrossmannJohannes KeplerJohn LockeJohn SearleJohn SpencerKarl FristonKarl MarxMark Miller Maurice Merleau-PontyNelson GoodmanPaul RicoeurPierre HadotPlatoPythagorasRainer Maria RilkeRené DescartesSigmund FreudW. Norris Clarkeanagoge (ἀναγωγή)Distributed cognitioneidos (εἶδος)eros (ἔρως)Evan Thompson’s deep continuity hypothesisGenerative grammarlogos (λόγος)Sensorimotor loopStoicismthymos (θυμός)Bayes' theoremWason Selection TaskThe Enigma of Reason by Hugo Mercier and Dan SperberThe Ennead by PlotinusExplorations in Metaphysics by W. Norris ClarkeReligion and Nothingness by Keiji NishitaniThe Eternal Law: Ancient Greek Philosophy, Modern Physics, and Ultimate Reality by John Spencer —Additional Resources John Vervaekeyoutube.com/@johnvervaeke Dr Stephen Blackwood https://www.stephenjblackwood.com?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfRalston College (including newsletter)https://ralston.ac?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfSupport a New Beginning: https://www.ralston.ac/support-a-new-beginning?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelf—Thank you for watching!
Knowing God in the Book of Job | David Novak with Ralston College Ralston College 2024-07-19 | Ralston College Humanities MA:https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maRecorded live at Ralston College in Savannah, GA in November of 2022. Dr David Novak, Professor of Philosophy and Jewish Studies at the University of Toronto, offers a lecture on the Book of Job followed by an extended question and answer session with students enrolled in Ralston College’s Master’s in the Humanities Program. In his lecture, Dr Novak explores the complex position of Job in the canon of Jewish scriptures, surveys diverse scholarly accounts of the concluding passages of the book, and offers his own interpretation of Job’s “face-to-face” interaction with God, one that emphasizes direct knowledge over abstract understanding and finds in the book’s conclusion a vision of the resurrection of the body. —00:00 Introduction08:20 Dr David Novak’s Lecture on the Book of Job 53:25:00 Question and Answer Session with Ralston College Students and Dr Novak 54:45 Question: Does Job’s Vision Occur Before or After Death?59:40 Question: Why are Job’s Friends Punished for Their Conceptual Understanding?01:03:00 Question: How Does This Align With the Belief That No One Can See God and Live?01:09:05 Question: What is the Purpose of the Dialogues Between Job and His Friends?01:13:05 Question: Did Job’s Friends Hear God’s Voice During the Appearance?01:14:55 Question: What is the Significance of God Doubling Job’s Possessions?01:15:30 Question: Is There a Visual Aspect to God’s Response to Job, or Is It Only Auditory?01:15:30 Question: What Does it Mean for God to Make a Bet with the Adversary?01:19:10 Question: Is Job’s Refusal to Curse God a Prerequisite for His Later Vision?01:25:15 Question: What Do You Make of the Relationship Between Satan and God?01:29:05 Did God Use Job to Prove a Point to Satan, Knowing the Outcome?01:31:20 Question: Can Man Question God and Express Grievances?01:35:40 Question: Does Elihu Suggest People Perceive God Through Suffering and Visions?1:41:30 Question: How Has Your Belief in Providence Impacted Your Life?01:44:45 Closing Remarks—Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: The Book of JobThe Book of EzekielThe Book of Leviticus The Book of EstherThe Book of EcclesiastesRobert Gordis, The Book of God and Man: A Study of Job mashal (משל)—Hebrew, “parable”Katagoros (Hebrew—קָטִיגור; Greek—κατήγορος)—”accuser” Fredrich NietzscheJohann von Rist, “O Traurigkeit, o Herzeleid” G.W.F. HegelRichard RortyReinhold Niebuhr, The Nature and Destiny of Man Leo Strauss Plato, Republic Yehuda Haleri AristotleThomas AquinasThe Book of Isaiah via negativa John RawlsEric Gregory Chaim ibn AttarTzimtzum (צמצום) —Additional Resources David Novak philosophy.utoronto.ca/directory/david-novakDr Stephen Blackwood https://www.stephenjblackwood.com?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfRalston College (including newsletter)https://ralston.ac?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfSupport a New Beginning: https://www.ralston.ac/support-a-new-beginning?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelf—Thank you for watching!
Unlocking Consciousness with Dr Stephen Wolfram: AI & Philosophy | Ralston College Ralston College 2024-07-05 | Ralston College Humanities MA: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelf-Dr Stephen Wolfram is a renowned computer scientist, physicist, and entrepreneur who earned his PhD in particle physics at 20 and became the youngest MacArthur Fellow at 21. As the founder of Wolfram Research, he has developed groundbreaking technologies widely used by university researchers in engineering, physics, mathematics, and computing.-Can computational thinking and philosophy together unlock the mysteries of human consciousness and the universe?In this Q&A session, conducted in February 2024 with students enrolled in Ralston College’s MA in the Humanities program, the renowned physicist and computer scientist, Dr Stephen Wolfram, explains his own intellectual trajectory and explores the intersection of computational and philosophical inquiry, particularly in the age of AI. In the course of this wide-ranging conversation, Dr Wolfram discusses computational irreducibility, the nature of mind, the ethics of AI governance, and the growing value of a liberal arts education. —00:00 Introduction: Dr. Stephen Wolfram's Genius and AI's Impact on Humanities01:30 Welcoming Dr. Stephen Wolfram02:15 Stephen Wolfram's Early Life and Achievements05:10 The Power of Computational Thinking07:20 The Ruliad, Philosophy, and Computational Language15:15 Q: Exploring Computational Irreducibility and Emergence21:25 The Ruliad and the Nature of Reality32:30 Q: The Role of Computational Thinking in Education41:05 AI Governance and Ethics46:35 Q: Bridging STEM and Humanities for Better AI Ethics48:40 Building Wolfram Alpha50:35 Q: Plato and Balancing Innovation in AI01:05:25 Q: Probability and Unpredictability: Insights from Nassim Taleb01:09:35 Q: Human Consciousness and the Computational Soul01:22:35 Conclusion: Reflections on Learning, Philosophy, and the Future of Education—Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: The ruliad writings.stephenwolfram.com/2021/11/the-concept-of-the-ruliad Gestalt entities Computational irreducibility Computational equivalence The second law of thermodynamicsPlato, Republic AI Governance UtilitarianismArrival (film)ChatGPTNassem Talib, The Black SwanColin Maclaurin—Additional Resources Dr Stephen Blackwoodstephenjblackwood.comRalston College (including newsletter)https://www.ralston.ac/Support a New Beginning https://www.ralston.ac/support/giving-opportunitiesRalston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelf—Thank you for watching!
From Homer to Gutenberg: Ancient Greek and Its Afterlives | Dr David Butterfield | Ralston College Ralston College 2024-06-21 | Ralston College Humanities MA: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfDavid Butterfield is a renowned classicist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Cambridge. His work centres on the critical study and teaching of classical texts.How did the Renaissance revival of Greek language study transform Western Europe's intellectual landscape and shape our modern understanding of the Classics?In this talk, delivered on the island of Samos in Greece in August 2023 as part of Ralston College’s Master’s in the Humanities program, Dr David Butterfield—Senior Lecturer in Classics at the University of Cambridge—charts how Western Europe came to appreciate the language and culture of Ancient Greece as an integral part of its own civilizational inheritance. Dr Butterfield explains that large-scale technological and cultural changes in late antiquity led to a gradual loss of Greek language proficiency—and a waning interest in the pagan world—among Western European intellectual society during the Early Middle Ages. While the Scholasticism of the High Middle Ages was invigorated by the rediscovery of the Greek philosophical tradition, this encounter was mediated almost entirely through Latin translations of Arabic translations of the Greek originals. It was only in the Renaissance, when a renewed appreciation of the Hellenic world on its own terms led to a revitalization of Greek language study, that our contemporary conception of Classics was fully established. Only those ancient works that survived through to the birth of printing in the 15th century were guaranteed an existence into our modern world.—00:00 Introduction: A Journey through Classical Literature with Dr. Butterfield06:05 Preservation and Valuation of Greek Culture08:55 The Evolution of Writing Systems16:50 Greek Influence on Roman Culture22:25 The Rise of Christianity and Advances in Book Technology29:40 Preservation and Transmission of Classical Texts in the Middle Ages34:50 Arabic Scholars: Preserving Greek Knowledge and Shaping Western Thought38:00 The Renaissance and Rediscovery of Greek Texts45:10 Conclusion: The Printing Press and the Spread of Classical Knowledge
Education Without Indoctrination: Can It Exist? Stephen Blackwood, John Vervaeke & David Butterfield Ralston College 2024-06-10 | Ralston College Humanities MA: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maStephen Blackwood is the founding President of Ralston College, with advanced degrees in Classics and Religion and visiting positions at Harvard, Toronto, and Cambridge.David Butterfield is a renowned Classicist based at the University of Cambridge, and Editor of the Classics website Antigone. His work centres on the critical study of classical texts and their survival from antiquity.John Vervaeke, PhD, is an award-winning professor of psychology, cognitive science, and Buddhist psychology at the University of Toronto.What are the fundamental principles required to cultivate an educational environment free from ideological bias? In this episode, Stephen Blackwood, David Butterfield, and John Vervaeke explore the current landscape of higher education and its pervasive ideological influences. They discuss the importance of fostering genuine freedom of inquiry, intellectual diversity, and non-coercive teaching practices. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on academic experiences, the conversation examines the conditions that make real dialogue and meaningful education possible. This episode challenges listeners to reconsider the essence of true education and its role in developing critical, independent thinkers.—00:00 Introduction and Exploring Education Without Indoctrination02:20 Defining Indoctrination in Education05:25 Current State of Higher Education09:05 Neo-Marxism and Power Dynamics in Education16:30 Teaching and Parenting: Fostering Realization and Free Agency26:05 John Vervaeke:Exploring Logos, Love, and the Meaning Crisis35:35 The Dual Aspects of Free Speech: Good Faith and Inquiry38:30 Audience Q&A: Handling Classroom Dynamics and Approaches53:45 Conclusion: University Traditions and Political Orientations—Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: Friedrich NietzscheThomas JeffersonMartha ArgerichDescartesJordan PetersonEducation without IndoctrinationFreedom of SpeechThe New CriterionMeaning CrisisDialectic into DialogosThe Vervaeke FoundationRe-Humanising Education By Stephen Blackwood and Bernadette Guthrie — ARC Research arc-research.org/research-papers/re-humanising-education—Additional Resources Dr Stephen Blackwoodstephenjblackwood.comDr Butterfield on the crisis in the Humanitiesthecritic.co.uk/issues/march-2024/hollowed-out-humanitiesRalston College (including newsletter)https://www.ralston.ac/Support a New Beginning https://www.ralston.ac/support/giving-opportunitiesRalston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelf—Thank you for watching.
Self and Story: In Conversation with Gregg Hurwitz at Ralston College Ralston College 2024-05-25 | Ralston College Humanities MA:https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maGregg Hurwitzgregghurwitz.netGregg 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 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 FreudCarl JungJoseph Campbell Gregg Hurwitz, You’re NextThe Sixth Sense (film) Romanticism William Wordsworth, “Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood”William Blake, Songs of Innocence and of ExperienceTranscendentalism Kurt VonnegutJames Joyce, “The Dead”; Ulyssess F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tender is the NightWilliam Faulkner, Light in August; As I Lay Dying; The Sound and the FuryRaymond ChandlerFyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment Edgar Allan Poe, “The Tell-Tale Heart” Albert Camus, The Stranger James M. Cain, The Postman Always Rings TwiceCarl Rogers Lord Byron Batman (comic series)Punisher (comic series) Richard Wagner, Der Ring des NibelungenPablo Picasso Joan Didion The Book of Henry (film) Alan Moore Additional Resources Dr Stephen Blackwood https://www.stephenjblackwood.com?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfRalston College (including newsletter)https://ralston.ac?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfSupport a New Beginning: https://www.ralston.ac/support-a-new-beginning?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelfRalston College Humanities MA:https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LevelsofSelf
Ralston Summer Latin Program - Applications Open Ralston College 2024-05-20 | Apply now for the intellectual adventure of a lifetime:http://ralston.ac/latin-programRalston College welcomes applications, from all parts of the world, from all academic backgrounds, and from all degree and non-degree programs, to its inaugural Summer Latin Program, which will teach Latin, as well as Italian, immersively over two months in Italy.The program will run from July 23rd to September 23rd and will be held primarily in Ortygia on Sicily, and in Rome, along with multiple overnight trips and an extended stay on the Bay of Naples, before ultimately concluding in Florence.Full and partial scholarships are available for the strongest applicants. The deadline for applications is Monday 3 June 2024.
Language, Thought, & Style: The Articulated Logos in Victorian Literature | Michael Hurley | Ralston Ralston College 2024-05-10 | Ralston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maProfessor Michael Hurley, Professor of Literature and Theology at Trinity College in the University of Cambridge, delivers a lecture to students during 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. Professor 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. Authors, ideas, and works mentioned in this episode:PythagorasAnti-EmpiricismSt. John the Evangelist LogosHeraclitusRomanticismDavid JonesMatthew Arnold, “Dover Beach” SophoclesPeloponnesian WarJohn Henry NewmanWilliam BlakeW.B. YeatsMargot CollisG.K. ChestertonWilliam James, “The Present Dilemma in Philosophy” PragmatismWalter Pater, Studies in the History of the RenaissanceWalter Pater, “Style” Aestheticism Oscar WildeHarold BloomMelosLeonardo da Vinci, Mona LisaProlepsisHypotaxisParataxisCiceroVirgilGerard Manley Hopkins, “God’s Grandeur”; “As Kingfishers Catch Fire”; “Carrion Comfort” William Shakespeare, Hamlet
Radical Thoughts on Human Nature | Dr Stephen Blackwood at Hillsdale College Ralston College 2024-04-30 | Ralston College Humanities MA:https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maIn this lecture, entitled "'What a Piece of Work is a Man’: Radical Thoughts on Human Nature" and 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. Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: radix (Latin, “root")William Shakespeare, HamletThe Biblical book of Ezekiel Ugo da Carpicultus, (Latin, “cultivation, culture, education, devotion”) Aristotle, De AnimaAristotle, Nicomachean EthicsSt AugustineAnthony Daniels / Theodore Dalrymple thaumazein (θαυμάζω: Ancient Greek, “wonder”) Sigrid Undset, Kristen LavransdatterGerard Manley Hopkins, “The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo”Homer, Odyssey PythagorasBoethius, The Consolation of PhilosophyCal Newport, Deep WorkCal Newport, Digital MinimalismGerard Manley Hopkins, “As Kingfishers Catch Fire”This recording is the property of Hillsdale College and all rights are reserved.
Why Jordan Peterson Actually Tells You To Clean Your Room | Jonathan Pageau Ralston College 2024-04-25 | Drawing on the simple yet impactful idea of 'clean your room,' as popularized by Jordan Peterson, Jonathan Pageau describes how organizing our personal spaces and lives can serve as a metaphor for aligning our inner complexities.
How To Follow Your Highest Potential | Jonathan Pageau Ralston College 2024-04-24 | Jonathan Pageau explains the metaphorical 'weighing of the soul' that happens not only in the Last Judgement but also in our daily decisions and actions, where we face choices that either pull us down towards our base instincts or elevate us to follow our highest self.#philosophy #shorts #religion
How To Avoid Turning Your Life Into Hell | Jonathan Pageau Ralston College 2024-04-23 | Jonathan Pageau explains the concept of hell not as a distant, apocalyptic scenario but as an everyday reality experienced through the fragmentation of self and the overwhelming control of singular pursuits or addictions.#hell #philosophy #shorts #religion
The Importance Of Your Gender (And Why It May Not Matter) | Jonathan Pageau Ralston College 2024-04-22 | In this #short Jonathan Pageau explains the complex interplay of masculine and feminine symbols in shaping our inner worlds and identities.It's essential to recognize that while gender can influence personal identity, it should not confine or define us entirely. We are all inherently multifaceted, possessing both masculine and feminine qualities that contribute to our unique selves.#gender #philosophy #shorts #religion
Rethinking the Last Judgment: Cosmic Symbolism & the Metaphor for Self-Discovery | @JonathanPageau Ralston College 2024-04-12 | In this 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 TermsIconography: 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 in the late first millennium AD, characterized by its religious themes and extensive use of icons.ResourcesRalston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/YouTube: youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannahX: twitter.com/RalstonCollegeImagesThe Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Torcello, Italy: The Last Judgement, Apse MosaicsChurch of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy: 6th century MosaicThe Basilica of Saint Sabina, Rome, Italy: Wooden door panels depicting The AscensionAscension of Christ, Rabbula Gospel Book (fol. 13v)The Monastery of Apollo at Bawit, EgyptChapel of the Domus Galilaeae, IsraelRussian 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
Why Play Is Not Just Entertainment (But A Connection To The Divine) | Professor Douglas Hedley Ralston College 2024-04-10 | Throughout this lecture by Professor Douglas Hedley at Ralston College, we delve into the notion that play represents more than mere entertainment—it's an opening of the soul to the very essence of being, a bridge to the divine. We explore the concept of the universe as a grand, divine drama, with every soul playing a crucial role in the cosmic order, directed by the Logos.#play #philosophy #shorts
What Art Actually Is (And Where It Comes From) | Professor Douglas Hedley Ralston College 2024-04-09 | Dive into the aesthetic dimension of human experience with this engaging short, where Professor Douglas Hedley at Ralston College explores the philosophical significance of art, beauty, and the cultivation of taste.#shorts #philosophy #art
How You Can Live A Fulfilling Life (Platos Wisdom Applied) | Professor Douglas Hedley Ralston College 2024-04-08 | Venture back to the ancient wisdom of Plato with this enlightening Lecture from Professor Douglas Hedley at Ralston College, where he uncovers his timeless advice on leading a peaceful and fulfilling life. In the 'Laws,' Plato presents a compelling argument for a life dedicated to play—not as frivolous pastime, but as the essence of a meaningful existence.#plato #philosophy #shorts
The Solution To The Mental Health Crisis (And Improving Your Life) | Professor Douglas Hedley Ralston College 2024-04-07 | Professor Douglas Hedley delves into the complex landscape of mental health and its connection to cultural shifts in contemporary society. He explores how the embrace of 'humannesses'—our intrinsic qualities and vulnerabilities—can illuminate the road to well-being and contentment.#shorts #philosophy #lecture
How Poetry and Science Unite in the Search for Truth | Professor Douglas Hedley Ralston College 2024-04-06 | At Ralston College Professor Douglas Hedley explores Owen Barfield's critical perspective on the often overlooked connection between poetry and science. Join him as he uncovers the intricate ways in which poetry and science converge in their quest to understand the universe and our place within it.
How Culture Is Influenced By Play | Professor Douglas Hedley Ralston College 2024-04-05 | Douglas Hedley explores the notion that the foundational activities of human society, including the development of language, are deeply infused with the spirit of play, creating a parallel, poetic world that resonates alongside the realm of music.
The Surprising Power of Play in Times of Crisis | Professor Douglas Hedley Ralston College 2024-04-04 | In today's fast-paced world, amidst the chaos and crisis, lies a solution so simple yet profoundly overlooked: the power of play. At the Ralston College Professor Douglas Hedley delves into the critical role of play in understanding ourselves and navigating through challenging times.
The Divine Dance of Play: Theology and Joy in the Cosmos | Sophia Lectures 2023 Part 5/5 Ralston College 2024-03-24 | In this, the fifth and final 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, he dissects '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 TermsKenosis: The self-emptying of one's own will and becoming entirely receptive to God's divine will.ResourcesRalston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/YouTube: youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannahX: twitter.com/RalstonCollegeDouglas Hedleyhttps://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedleyLiving Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Living-Forms-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/0567032957Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Sacrifice-Imagined-Violence-Atonement-Sacred/dp/1441194452The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Iconic-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/1441194630The Ages of the World 1811 - Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling amazon.com/Ages-World-Contemporary-Continental-Philosophy/dp/1438474059Man at Play - Hugo Rahner S.J. amazon.com/Man-Play-Hugo-Rahner-S-J/dp/1949899799Plotinus: Myth, Metaphor, and Philosophical Practice - Stephen R. L. Clark amazon.com/Plotinus-Myth-Metaphor-Philosophical-Practice/dp/022633967XQuotes"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 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
Unveiling Aesthetics: Art, Suffering, and Transcendence | Sophia Lectures 2023 Part 4/5 Ralston College 2024-03-23 | 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 TermsAesthetics: The branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste.ResourcesRalston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/YouTube: youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannahX: twitter.com/RalstonCollegeDouglas Hedleyhttps://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedleyLiving Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Living-Forms-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/0567032957Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Sacrifice-Imagined-Violence-Atonement-Sacred/dp/1441194452The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Iconic-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/1441194630Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga amazon.com/Homo-Ludens-Study-Play-Element-Culture/dp/1621389995Truth and Method - Hans-Georg Gadamer amazon.com/Truth-Method-Hans-Georg-Gadamer/dp/0826405851 Likeness and Presence: A History of the Image before the Era of Art - Hans Belting amazon.com/Likeness-Presence-History-Image-before/dp/0226042154Quotes"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
Wisdom in Paradox: The Seriousness of Play | Sophia Lectures 2023 Part 3/5 Ralston College 2024-03-21 | In the third of the Sophia Lectures for 2023, 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 TermsAeon: Time period, sometimes interpreted as "lifetime" or "eternity."Sophrosyne: Excellence in character; moderation; self-control; leading to well-being.ResourcesRalston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/YouTube: youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannahX: twitter.com/RalstonCollegeDouglas Hedleyhttps://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedleyHomo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga amazon.com/Homo-Ludens-Study-Play-Element-Culture/dp/1621389995The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure - Greg Lukianoff Jonathan Haidt amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation/dp/0735224897Playing and Reality - D. W. Winnicott amazon.com/Playing-Reality-Routledge-Classics-86/dp/0415345464Civilization and Its Discontents - Sigmund Freud amazon.com/Civilization-Its-Discontents-Sigmund-Freud/dp/0393304515Modern Man in Search of a Soul - C. G. Jung amazon.com/Modern-Man-Search-Soul-Jung/dp/1684220904The Red Book - C. G. Jung amazon.com/Red-Book-Philemon-C-Jung/dp/0393065677Poetic Diction: A Study in Meaning - Owen Barfield amazon.com/Poetic-Diction-Meaning-Wesleyan-Paperback/dp/081956026XPlato. "Laws." Translated by Benjamin Jowett, The Internet Classics Archive. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/laws.htmlHomer. "The Iliad." Translated by Samuel Butler, The Internet Classics Archive. https://classics.mit.edu/Homer/iliad.htmlQuotes"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
Exploring the Inner Word: Play, Poetry, Philosophy | Sophia Lectures 2023 Part 2/5 Ralston College 2024-03-18 | 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 of 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 explores 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 TermsLanguage games: A concept introduced by Ludwig Wittgenstein that highlights the importance of usage and practice in shaping meaningResourcesRalston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/YouTube: youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannahX: twitter.com/RalstonCollegeDouglas Hedleyhttps://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedleyPhilosophical Investigations - Ludwig Wittgenstein amazon.com/Philosophical-Investigations-Ludwig-Wittgenstein/dp/0631205691The Trinity (Works of Saint Augustine: A Translation for the 21st Century) - Saint Augustine amazon.com/Trinity-2nd-Works-Saint-Augustine/dp/1565484460Saving the Appearances: A Study in Idolatry - Owen Barfield amazon.com/Saving-Appearances-Idolatry-Owen-Barfield/dp/081956205XTruth and Method - Hans-Georg Gadamer amazon.com/Truth-Method-Hans-Georg-Gadamer/dp/0826405851Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature - Richard Rorty amazon.com/Philosophy-Mirror-Nature-Richard-Rorty/dp/0691020167Augustine-Confessions-vol-1.pdf - Augustine. (n.d.). Confessions, Vol. 1. wesleyscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Augustine-Confessions-vol-1.pdfPlato. (n.d.). Alcibiades 1.platonicfoundation.org/platos-alcibiades-1Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga amazon.com/Homo-Ludens-Study-Play-Element-Culture/dp/1621389995Quotes"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 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
Ralston College: Douglas Hedleys Sophia Lectures #history #play #philosophy Ralston College 2024-03-15 | A sneak peek at our newest series, the Sophia Lectures by Douglas Hedley -- Available now!
The Spirit of Play in Shaping Culture, Creativity, and Spirituality | Sophia Lectures 2023 Part 1/5 Ralston College 2024-03-15 | 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 TermsSophia: 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.'ResourcesWebsite: https://www.ralston.ac/YouTube: youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannahX: twitter.com/RalstonCollegeInstagram: instagram.com/ralstoncollegeDouglas Hedleydivinity.cam.ac.uk/directory/douglas-hedleyhttps://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedleyLiving Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Living-Forms-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/0567032957Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Sacrifice-Imagined-Violence-Atonement-Sacred/dp/1441194452The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Iconic-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/1441194630The History of Religious Imagination in Christian Platonism, Exploring the Philosophy of Douglas Hedley - Christian Hengstermann amazon.com/History-Religious-Imagination-Christian-Platonism/dp/1350217697Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga amazon.com/Homo-Ludens-Study-Play-Element-Culture/dp/1621389995In the Shadow of Tomorrow: A Diagnosis of the Modern Distemper - Johan Huizinga amazon.com/Shadow-Tomorrow-Diagnosis-Modern-Distemper/dp/1950970116Leisure: The Basis of Culture - Josef Pieper amazon.com/Leisure-Basis-Culture-Josef-Pieper/dp/1586172565The Glass Bead Game (Magister Ludi) - Hermann Hesse amazon.com/Glass-Bead-Game-Magister-Ludi/dp/8087888383The Journey to the East - Hermann Hesse amazon.com/Journey-East-Hermann-Hesse/dp/1891396889Siddhartha - Hermann Hesse amazon.com/Siddhartha-Hermann-Hesse/dp/081120068XReligion in Human Evolution: From the Paleolithic to the Axial Age - Robert N. Bellah amazon.com/Religion-Human-Evolution-Paleolithic-Axial/dp/0674061438Tertullian. (n.d.). De Spectaculis. tertullian.org/works/de_spectaculis.htmDe Ludo Globi: The Game of Spheres - Nicholas de Cusa amazon.com/Ludo-Globi-Spheres-JANUS-LIBRARY/dp/0898350689Plato. (n.d.). Symposium. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/symposium.htmlPlato. (n.d.). Phaedo.https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/phaedo.htmlPlato. (n.d.). Laws. https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/laws.1.i.htmlQuotes"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
The Spirit of Play: A Conversation with Professor Douglas Hedley and Dr Stephen Blackwood Ralston College 2024-03-15 | 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.ResourcesRalston College Website: https://www.ralston.ac/YouTube: youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannahX: twitter.com/RalstonCollegeInstagram: instagram.com/ralstoncollegeDouglas Hedleydivinity.cam.ac.uk/directory/douglas-hedleyhttps://www.ralston.ac/people/douglas-hedleyLiving Forms of the Imagination -Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Living-Forms-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/0567032957Sacrifice Imagined: Violence, Atonement, and the Sacred - Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Sacrifice-Imagined-Violence-Atonement-Sacred/dp/1441194452The Iconic Imagination - Douglas Hedley amazon.com/Iconic-Imagination-Douglas-Hedley/dp/1441194630Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga amazon.com/Homo-Ludens-Study-Play-Element-Culture/dp/1621389995Truth and Method - Hans-Georg Gadamer amazon.com/Truth-Method-Hans-Georg-Gadamer/dp/0826405851Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Praise of Folly. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from britannica.com/topic/Praise-of-Folly-by-ErasmusQuotes"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
Ralston College | MA in the Humanities Ralston College 2024-02-04 | Applications are now open for Ralston College's MA in the Humanities for 2024–25.For further details and to make an application, please visit here: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma
A Call to Adventure — Anand Mangal Ralston College 2024-01-13 | “It’s going to be the foundation of everything else I do for the rest of my life.” Anand, a student in the inaugural year of Ralston College’s MA in the Humanities program, explains what led him to leave his job as an engineer to undertake a year of intensive study of Ancient Greek and the greatest works of art and intellect in the Western tradition. Become a member of next year’s cohort in the MA in the Humanities program. Apply now: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maSee Ralston College Student Testimonials Part I here:youtu.be/8qGC-1odxt8and Part II here:youtu.be/qymrRu85pTwas well as with three other short videos, each featuring a student discussing different aspects of their experience at Ralston:Learning Greek at Ralston — Joshua Gomersall youtu.be/ug3wXB0Vi1YHermeneutic Charity — Kate Spanos youtube.com/watch?v=uaYjSXdTlkA&t=0sRalston and Savannah — Scott Robinson youtu.be/CSGFTbv24ms
Learning Greek at Ralston — Joshua Gomersall Ralston College 2024-01-13 | “I came into the program with no knowledge of Greek. And in one year I’ve been able to get to a level in the language that astounds me.” Joshua, a student in the inaugural year of Ralston College’s MA in the Humanities program, describes his experience with the College’s unique—and uniquely intensive—approach to language study. Become a member of next year’s cohort in the MA in the Humanities program. Apply now: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maSee Ralston College Student Testimonials Part I here:youtu.be/8qGC-1odxt8and Part II here:youtu.be/qymrRu85pTwas well as with three other short videos, each featuring a student discussing different aspects of their experience at Ralston:A Call to Adventure — Anand Mangal youtu.be/hAlonQpUBkAHermeneutic Charity — Kate Spanos youtu.be/AZaGQwV-OqsRalston and Savannah — Scott Robinson youtu.be/CSGFTbv24ms
Ralston and Savannah — Scott Robinson Ralston College 2024-01-13 | “It’s hard for me to imagine Savannah without Ralston at this point.” Scott, a student in the inaugural year of Ralston College’s MA in the Humanities program, explains how the natural beauty and cultural richness of Savannah have enriched his experience of the College and, conversely, how the College has deepened his appreciation for the city. Become a member of next year’s cohort in the MA in the Humanities program. Apply now: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maSee Ralston College Student Testimonials Part I here:youtu.be/8qGC-1odxt8and Part II here:youtu.be/qymrRu85pTwas well as with three other short videos, each featuring a student discussing different aspects of their experience at Ralston:A Call to Adventure — Anand Mangal youtu.be/hAlonQpUBkALearning Greek at Ralston — Joshua Gomersall youtu.be/ug3wXB0Vi1YHermeneutic Charity — Kate Spanos youtu.be/AZaGQwV-Oqs
Hermeneutic Charity — Kate Spanos Ralston College 2024-01-13 | “I’m definitely a better person for having been here.” Kate, a student in the inaugural year of Ralston College’s MA in the Humanities program, explores how her experiences at the College taught her to approach both course texts and her fellow students with an attitude of openness and humility. Become a member of next year’s cohort in the MA in the Humanities program. Apply now: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maSee Ralston College Student Testimonials Part I here:youtu.be/8qGC-1odxt8and Part II here:youtu.be/qymrRu85pTwas well as with three other short videos, each featuring a student discussing different aspects of their experience at Ralston:A Call to Adventure — Anand Mangal youtu.be/hAlonQpUBkALearning Greek at Ralston — Joshua Gomersall youtu.be/ug3wXB0Vi1YRalston and Savannah — Scott Robinson youtu.be/CSGFTbv24ms
Ralston College Student Testimonials: Part II Ralston College 2023-12-31 | Students from the inaugural class of Ralston College’s MA in the Humanities reflect on the intellectual fellowship they’ve forged over the course of the program. Drawn from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds—from engineering to economics, from painting to theater—our students explain how they were united by their shared love of the humanities, their immersion in the rigors of language study, and their commitment to the courageous pursuit of truth in a collegiate community that values friendship and freedom of thought.Consider becoming a member of next year’s cohort in the MA in the Humanities program. Apply now: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maSee Ralston College Student Testimonials Part I here:youtu.be/8qGC-1odxt8as well as with four short videos, each featuring a student discussing different aspects of their experience at Ralston:A Call to Adventure — Anand Mangal youtu.be/hAlonQpUBkALearning Greek at Ralston — Joshua Gomersall youtu.be/ug3wXB0Vi1YHermeneutic Charity — Kate Spanos youtu.be/uaYjSXdTlkA?si=5zncH87YcBFP1__DRalston and Savannah — Scott Robinson youtu.be/CSGFTbv24ms
From the Cave of Pythagoras: A Lecture and Discussion with Douglas Hedley Ralston College 2023-03-01 | Ralston College presents a lecture by University of Cambridge Professor Douglas Hedley on the influential and mysterious pre-Socratic philosopher Pythagoras. Given in the very cave in Samos in which Pythagoras taught, this brief lecture touches on the philosopher’s influence on the Western tradition and the importance of the cave as an imaginative motif. Professor Hedley explores this recurring symbol as a place of birth and rebirth, of contemplation and illumination, and of tremendous inspiration to later figures such as Plato and many early Christian thinkers.The lecture took place during the first term of Ralston College's inaugural MA in the Humanities in autumn of 2022.Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeEusebiusWerner JaegerRalph CudworthKabbalahPythagorasThe LyceumLloyd P. GersonSt AmbroseJohannes ReuchlinSt AugustineMetempsychosisOrphismEmpedoclesPlato’s CaveSocratesMithraismCave of the Apocalypse in PatmosParmenidesAristotlePindarImmanuel KantGottlob FregeLinks of Possible InterestRalston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maDouglas Hedley’s Cambridge Profiledivinity.cam.ac.uk/directory/douglas-hedley Living Forms of the Imaginationamazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0567032957/breviaryinfo-21Dr Stephen Blackwood stephenjblackwood.comDr James Bryson https://www.ralston.ac/people/james-brysonRalston College (including newsletter)https://ralston.ac Ralston College Short Courses https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesTimeline0:00 – Introduction3:26 – Professor Douglas Hedley’s Lecture7:25 – Introduction to Pythagoras9:42 – The importance of the cave as a symbol12:29 – Cave in Christianity and the ancient world17:13 – Q & A: Plato’s and Pythagoras’ appeal to numbers as example of non-material realities20:50 – Influence of Pythagoras on Plato24:20 – The realness of number and mathematics#ralstoncollege
Ralston College Student Testimonials: Part I Ralston College 2023-01-27 | In their own words: the first students of Ralston College’s MA in the Humanities describe what they were seeking in coming to Ralston College—and what they have found. We join them in Greece, where they spent their first term immersed in the landscape and the language of Ancient and Modern Greek; and we hear them offering first-hand accounts of the program, the professors, and the students that make Ralston an institution unlike any other. See Ralston College Student Testimonials Part II here: youtu.be/qymrRu85pTw as well as with four short videos, each featuring a student discussing different aspects of their experience at Ralston: A Call to Adventure — Anand Mangal youtu.be/hAlonQpUBkALearning Greek at Ralston — Joshua Gomersall youtu.be/ug3wXB0Vi1YHermeneutic Charity — Kate Spanos youtu.be/AZaGQwV-OqsRalston and Savannah — Scott Robinson youtu.be/CSGFTbv24msFor more information about Ralston College, please visit: Ralston College: http://bit.ly/3j2Zrbu
Jordan Peterson: The Logos at Ephesus Ralston College 2022-12-25 | Ralston College presents the inaugural lecture of its Chancellor, Dr Jordan B. Peterson, delivered at one of the most iconic sites of the ancient world, the Library of Celsus in Ephesus. This ancient city was the birthplace of Heraclitus, the philosopher who first articulated the idea of the Logos (Λόγος), and the final resting place of St John, who uses that same Greek word to name the Divine Word. In his lecture, Dr Peterson argues that the intelligibility of the world depends on patterned regularities that are superordinate to our immediate perception; this underlying order—which, from the Greeks onward, we have called the Logos—is both the horizon that enables human perception and the basis for the possibilities that we realize in the world. Such an account of our intrinsic, rational, and self-determining capacity constitutes a challenge to the assumptions of many prevailing schools of thought—such as behaviorism, rigid empiricism, and postmodernism—and lays the burden of personal ethics, and the formation of a good society, squarely on the shoulders of the individual.This lecture took place during the first term of Ralston College's inaugural MA in the Humanities on August 31st, 2022.Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeLibrary of CelsusHeraclitusLogos (λόγος)John the ApostleThe Gospel of John, “Book 1”Carl JungJohn MiltonBook of GenesisBook of ExodusFriedrich NietzscheFyodor DostoevskyAleksandr SolzhenitsynLinks of Possible InterestDr Jordan Petersonhttps://www.ralston.ac/people/jordan-b-petersonDr Stephen Blackwood stephenjblackwood.comRalston College (including newsletter)https://ralston.ac Ralston College Short Courses https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesRalston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maTimeline0:00 – Beginning0:57 – Lecture begins4:18 – The world of what matters versus the world of matter10:08 – Patterned regularities are superordinate to immediate perception13:30 – Our perception shows us what is, but also what could be 16:30 – We are not automated machines; we are rather an embodiment of the Logos22:10 – We prioritize perceptions, thus see the world through a system of values31:30 – We cannot see the world except through an ethic36:50 – We act out the world through what we describe as a narrative47:25 – Social cohesion is dependent on perceptual prioritization50:00 – Consequences for the future#RalstonCollege
Marie Kawthar Daouda: Baudelaire and the Creation of the Poetic Self Ralston College 2022-10-13 | Ralston College presents a lecture by Marie Kawthar Daouda on the infamous French poet, Charles Baudelaire. Baudelaire published one collection of poems in his lifetime, 'Les Fleurs du mal,' which was met by outrage and led to a scandalous lawsuit because of some poems’ graphic content. The problem with Baudelaire was not so much that he was writing about sex, drunkenness, and violence; it was that he wrote about ugly things—at times horrible things—while using the classical perfection of the French verse, and merged the longing for a lost ideal with the modernity of Haussmanian Paris. As such, Baudelaire's art is not about gruesome indecency, but about acknowledging horror as a non-negotiable part both of the human condition and of the creation of the self. Dr Daouda’s lecture focuses on two particular sonnets, 'À une passante' and 'Recueillement,' which offer emblematic examples of Baudelaire’s poetic technique and his philosophical heritage, and help to explain why, although he died in utter misery, he was one of the most influential artistic figures of the century that followed.This lecture and discussion were recorded with a live online audience on June 23rd, 2022.Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeCharles BaudelaireEugène Delacroix, 'La Liberté guidant le peuple'ChateaubriandBenjamin ConstantAlphonse de LamartineVictor Hugo, 'Les Miserables'George SandJean-Jacques RousseauVoltaireVictor Hugo, 'Les Chansons des rues et des bois'Édouard ManetBlaise PascalJoseph de MaistreEdgar Allan PoePlatonismNeo-PlatonismEdgar Allan Poe, 'The Imp of the Perverse'Charles Baudelaire, 'L’art romantique'Charles Baudelaire, 'Les Fleurs du mal'Carlos Schwabe, 'Spleen et idéal'Oscar WildeCharles Baudelaire, 'À une passante'Petrus Borel, 'Champavert'Charles Baudelaire, 'Recueillement'Charles Baudelaire, 'Le Spleen de Paris'Michael Edwards, 'Bible et poésie'Vladimir Jankélévitch, 'La Mort'Carlos Schwabe, 'Les Noces du poète et de la Muse ou L’Ideal'Gustav MoreauLord ByronLinks of Possible InterestDr Marie Kawthar Daouda's biographyhttps://www.ralston.ac/people/marie-kawthar-daoudaDr Stephen Blackwood stephenjblackwood.comRalston College https://ralston.ac Ralston College Short Courses https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesRalston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maTimeline0:00 – Introduction4:15 – Dr Daouda's lecture: background and context of Baudelaire’s time11:03 – Baudelaire’s influences and relationship with Victor Hugo19:15 – Horror and ecstasy: Baudelaire’s split view of life24:20 – Baudelaire’s 'À une passante'40:24 – Baudelaire’s 'Recueillement'56:45 – Baudelaire’s reflections on time, nature, and the day1:01:40 – The presence of God and the divine in poetry1:04:41 – Conclusion: influence and legacy of Baudelaire*Discussion*1:09:03 – The question of time and eternity in Baudelaire’s 'À une passante'1:14:54 – The beauty of language in 'À une passante'1:17:57 – What drew Daouda to Baudelaire?1:22:03 – Baudelaire’s personal struggles in childhood and adulthood1:26:50 – Baudelaire’s artistic and theological influences1:30:56 – Original sin: Baudelaire’s critical opinions of art and God1:37:18 – The redeeming qualities of language in tragedy and loss1:42:55 – Why were Baudelaire’s poems censored?1:45:28 – Dodging the trap of procrastination; poetry reading as modern rebellion#RalstonCollege
Arif Ahmed on David Hume’s Disturbing Conception of the Self Ralston College 2022-08-24 | Ralston College presents a lecture by Arif Ahmed on David Hume’s conception of the self in Book I of his ‘Treatise of Human Nature.’ The idea of ‘the self’ or ‘soul’ as an enduring subject of experience seems very natural, indeed almost inevitable. Hume, however, argues that it is a mistake; and he gives a novel account of what it means for you or me to exist at any one time or across different times. In his lecture, Dr Ahmed assesses Hume's central argument and discusses whether it sheds any light on related questions concerning responsibility, the morality of life and death, and the nature and rationality of 'self-interest.' This lecture and discussion were recorded with a live online audience on May 19th, 2022.Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeDavid Hume, ‘A Treatise of Human Nature,’ Book 1, Part 4, Section 6Empiricist tradition: Aristotle, Roger Bacon, Francis Bacon, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, George Berkeley, David Hume, John Stuart Mill, Bertrand Russell, A. J. AyerHumean causalityDescartes and the Cartesian cogitoMilinda Pañha, simile of the chariotCommissurotomy, split-brain experiments of Roger Sperry and Michael GazzanigaDerek Parfit, ‘Reasons and Persons’Julian Jaynes, ‘The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind’Ludwig Wittgenstein, ‘Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus’Immanuel Kant, ‘Critique of Pure Reason’Extended mind thesisDaniel Dennett, 'The Self as a Center of Narrative Gravity', in Kessel, F. S. et al. (ed.) Self and Consciousness: Multiple PerspectivesAlfred North WhiteheadCarl Gustav JungLinks of Possible Interest:Dr Arif Ahmed's profile at Ralston College and Cambridgehttps://www.ralston.ac/people/arif-ahmedphil.cam.ac.uk/people/teaching-research-pages/ahmedDr Stephen Blackwood stephenjblackwood.comRalston College https://ralston.ac Ralston College Short Courses https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesRalston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma Timeline0:00 – Introduction 5:07 – Ahmed’s lecture: an overview of moral and practical consequences of understanding selfhood17:32 – Hume’s Empiricist background22:21 – Hume’s reaction to Descartes’ certainty about the self29:59 – Hume’s positive thesis: the self as a bundle of sensations35:16 – Commissurotomy experiments, Jaynes, and other problems with the persistent self41:00 – Hume’s conception of the self applied to our lives48:41 – The gap between Hume’s views in private and in public*Discussion*53:46 – From whence do ethics arise for Hume?56:09 – How far does the mind extend?58:15 – How are bundles constructed according to Hume?1:02:22 – Despite ‘Wittgenstein’s rope,’ don’t we still have a sense of the whole?1:05:00 – Should we disregard Humean causality when we build societies?1:08:26 – What can we say about the mind that attributes or opposes unifying realities?1:12:46 – Consciousness in Hume; connection to Locke1:18:52 – Importance of memory and language in self1:22:05 – Was Hume hypocritical for not acting on his philosophical assumptions?1:27:15 – Difference between humans and animals; understanding of death1:33:00 – Relating Hume to Whitehead and Jung1:37:50 – Hume on meditation and ‘always-on’ consciousness#RalstonCollege
Alan Charles Kors: Voltaire’s ‘Philosophical Letters,’ Part II Ralston College 2022-08-03 | Ralston College presents a lecture by Alan Charles Kors on Voltaire's great work 'The Philosophical Letters.' Profoundly impressed by the English scientific and philosophical revolutions of the seventeenth century, Voltaire sought to explain and to popularize new British thinking to his French readers. He argued that sound and innovative thinkers were more important to humanity than its political or military heroes and that preferring the philosophers of one’s native land over those of another nation was a barrier to truth and knowledge. In this second part of a broader lecture on Voltaire's thought, Professor Kors expands upon Voltaire’s observations of the relative political and economic freedom in England at the time and its connection to an underlying philosophical worldview.This lecture and discussion were recorded with a live online audience on April 28th, 2022.Authors and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeAlan Charles Kors, ‘Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment’Alan Charles Kors, ‘Atheism in France, 1650–1729: The Orthodox Sources of Disbelief’Voltaire, ‘The Philosophical Letters’William PennSocinianismJohn LockeDeismEdmund BurkeLinks of Possible Interest:Dr Kors’ Profile at FIREthefire.org/alan-charles-korsEncyclopedia of the Enlightenmentglobal.oup.com/academic/product/encyclopedia-of-the-enlightenment-9780195104301Ralston College https://ralston.ac Ralston College Short Courses https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesRalston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma Stephen Blackwood stephenjblackwood.comTimeline0:00 – Introduction 2:09 – Kors’ Lecture: Criticism and response to Voltaire’s work in his time 8:09– Context of ‘The Philosophical Letters’ publication 17:23 – Voltaire’s use of irony 19:43 – Voltaire on the Quakers and the introduction of pluralistic thought 30:00 – Religion studied in natural terms 42:22 – The Socinians and the founding of new religious sects 44:48 – The virtues of English governance versus the French aristocracy*Discussion* 54:52 – Voltaire’s admiration of the Quakers’ first principles 1:01:59 – The limitation of arbitrary power; religious monism as an origin for human suffering 1:11:44 – Why could England control the power of kings? 1:15:33 – Voltaire’s support for English empiricism over French rationalism 1:19:27 – Political radicalism and Voltaire’s fear of disorder 1:22:22 – Voltaire’s ‘reform of the mind’ and the necessity of humility 1:32:42 – The cost of coercion and what is at stake in freedom of conscience #RalstonCollege
Alan Charles Kors: Voltaire’s Philosophical Letters, Part I Ralston College 2022-06-28 | Ralston College presents a two-part series of lectures by Alan Charles Kors on Voltaire's great work 'The Philosophical Letters.' Profoundly impressed by the English scientific and philosophical revolutions of the seventeenth century, Voltaire sought to explain and to popularize new British thinking to his French readers. He argued that sound and innovative thinkers were more important to humanity than its political or military heroes and that preferring the philosophers of one’s native land over those of another nation was a barrier to the advance of truth and knowledge. In this first lecture, Professor Kors explores the reasons for Voltaire's fascination with the English empirical tradition, which is exemplified by Francis Bacon, John Locke, and Isaac Newton.This lecture and discussion were recorded with a live online audience on April 21st, 2022.Authors and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeAlan Charles Kors, ‘Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment’Voltaire, ‘The Philosophical Letters’Voltaire, ‘Oedipus’Isaac Newton, ‘Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy’Francis Bacon, especially ‘Novum Organum’John Locke, especially ‘An Essay Concerning Human Understanding’René Descartes, ‘Discourse on the Method’René Descartes, ‘Meditations Upon First Philosophy’René Descartes, ‘Principles of Philosophy’Links of Possible Interest:Dr Kors’ Profile at FIREthefire.org/alan-charles-korsEncyclopedia of the Enlightenmentglobal.oup.com/academic/product/encyclopedia-of-the-enlightenment-9780195104301Ralston College https://ralston.ac Ralston College Short Courses https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesRalston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma Stephen Blackwood stephenjblackwood.comTimeline0:00 – Introduction3:38 – Kors’ lecture: Background of the ‘Philosophical Letters’5:52 – Voltaire biography12:19 – Voltaire on the role of philosophy16:36 – Voltaire’s heroes in English philosophy18:15 – Philosophy as mastery over nature; example of inoculation28:06 – Francis Bacon: the scientific framework34:12 – John Locke: superiority of sense experience in knowledge acquisition41:44 – Isaac Newton: the fruit of Lockean empiricism**Discussion**50:50 – What would Voltaire make of the current claim that knowledge is a construct?54:57 – Unusual ordering of ‘Philosophical Letters’59:30 – The anti-aristocratic character of the scientific method?1:02:39 – How does one ask the right questions?1:06:38 – Balance between respect for past and challenging of its assumptions1:14:16 – Can we know moral truths through Voltaire’s philosophical process?1:23:15 – The role of humor in Voltaire’s argumentation1:27:05 – Voltaire on the blank slate theory; empiricism vs ‘lived experience’1:31:05 – English toleration exaggerated by Voltaire?#RalstonCollege
A New Educational Paradigm | Ralston College Ralston College 2022-05-17 | Ralston College is a new institution of higher education dedicated to human flourishing located in Savannah, Georgia. Chancellor Jordan Peterson and President Stephen Blackwood discuss the mission and purpose of Ralston College.Ralston College offers an MA in the Humanities, online short courses, live lectures, in-person events, and podcasts.For more information about Ralston College, please visit:Ralston College:https://ralston.ac Ralston College Humanities MA:https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma Jordan Peterson:jordanbpeterson.comStephen Blackwood:stephenjblackwood.com
Jordan Peterson on the Humanities and Ralston College Ralston College 2022-05-05 | Ralston College is a new institution of higher education dedicated to human flourishing located in Savannah, Georgia. Chancellor Jordan Peterson and President Stephen Blackwood discuss the purpose of universities, the value of the Humanities, and the mission of Ralston College.Ralston College offers an MA in the Humanities, online short courses, live lectures, in-person events, and podcasts.For more information about Ralston College, please visit:Ralston College:https://ralston.acRalston College Humanities MA:https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maJordan Peterson:jordanbpeterson.comStephen Blackwood:stephenjblackwood.com
A New Vision of Education | Ralston College Ralston College 2022-05-05 | Ralston College is a new institution of higher education dedicated to human flourishing located in Savannah, Georgia. Chancellor Jordan Peterson and President Stephen Blackwood discuss the mission and purpose of Ralston College.Ralston College offers an MA in the Humanities, online short courses, live lectures, in-person events, and podcasts.For more information about Ralston College, please visit:Ralston College:https://ralston.acRalston College Humanities MA:https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maJordan Peterson:jordanbpeterson.comStephen Blackwood:stephenjblackwood.com
Theodore Dalrymple on H. G. Wells The Time Machine Ralston College 2022-04-13 | Ralston College presents a lecture by Theodore Dalrymple (Anthony Daniels) on H. G. Wells’ extraordinary 'scientific romance', 'The Time Machine'. A brilliant seer and prophet with a very pessimistic view of humanity, Wells was, nevertheless, a naive and shallow political thinker. The two sides of his mind—the artistic and the ideological; the 'unofficial' and the 'official'—were in conflict. It is the pessimistic artist, rather than the socialist, eugenicist, and futurist, that we remember today.Although Wells was an ardent believer in social progress, the future that he envisions in what is arguably his most famous novel is hardly a progressive fantasy. Instead, he conjures a dark, dystopian world, one which is in tension with his own political, evolutionary, and collectivist commitments. An artist whose creativity and insight were untrammeled by his personal politics, Wells offers an instructive example of a literary genius divided between his views and his muse, his own personal perspective and his enduring, inspired vision. Wells' prescient insights, and troubling self-contradictions, point to deep questions at the heart of human nature.This lecture and discussion were recorded with a live online audience on March 17th, 2022.Artists, Art, and Writings Mentioned in this EpisodeH. G. Wells'The Misery of Boots''Experiment in Autobiography''Star Begotten''The Time Machine''War of the Worlds''The Island of Doctor Moreau''Tono-Bungay''Mind at the End of Its Tether''Gulliver’s Travels,' Jonathan Swift'Hamlet,' specifically Gertrude on Ophelia's death (Act 4, Scene 7)'Heart of Darkness,' Joseph Conrad'London Labour and the London Poor,' Henry MayhewLinks of Possible Interest:Theodore Dalrymple’s City Journal profilecity-journal.org/contributor/theodore-dalrymple_44 Anthony Daniels' Visitor page at Ralston College https://www.ralston.ac/people/anthony-m-daniels Ralston College https://ralston.ac Ralston College Short Courses https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesRalston College Humanities MAhttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma Stephen Blackwood stephenjblackwood.comTimeline0:00 - Beginning0:30 - Introduction to Theodore Dalrymple6:18 - Lecture begins: Wells' background10:01 - Wells' view on society and social arrangement15:22 - 'The Misery of Boots' and inequality18:46 - Wells' cosmopolitan view and move to non-fiction22:27 - 'Star Begotten' and Wells's pessimism24:57 - Belief in technocracy to solve man's problems27:56 - 'Time Machine': the division of humanity40:39 - 'Island of Doctor Moreau' and pessimism of animal nature of man42:12 - 'Tono Bungay' and absence of personal responsibility45:44 - Conclusion: 'Mind at the End of its Tether'**Discussion**47:27 - Wells' inner tensions and contradictions; isolation of intellectuals; social theory vs social reality55:23 - Reality that impinges upon us regardless of culture; technocratic thinking and its problems1:06:41 - How can we be aware of self-delusion?1:10:37 - Why are we disconnected from the past?1:13:02 - What arises from looking at humanity as an abstraction?1:19:08 - What does 'The Time Machine' say about progress?1:20:13 - Why is the novel disturbing?1:23:01 - Human particularity in 'The Time Machine'1:29:57 - Wells' contribution to the 'Declaration of Human Rights'1:31:12 - Absence of sexual difference and the family in 'The Time Machine'1:38:14 - Time Traveler's background in science1:40:02 - Necessity of difficulties in life#RalstonCollege
Vernon Smith: Self-Interest Reconsidered Ralston College 2022-02-12 | Stephen Blackwood speaks with the Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, Vernon L. Smith. They begin by defining and exploring commonly misunderstood economic terms—markets, capitalism, equilibrium—and then unpack the discoveries of Dr Smith’s pioneering experiments in economics, which—against widely held assumptions—revealed the operation of beneficence and non-zero-sum reciprocity at the heart of free exchange. ‘Self-interest’ is thus profoundly re-evaluated. Paradoxically, the only way to self-realization is through concern for others.Also, Vernon recommends for further reading, especially on the topic of his experimental games, which are described but not entirely comprehensible in the podcast, the following:Vernon L. Smith (1991) Papers in Experimental Economics. New York: Cambridge University Press.Writers and Writings Mentioned in this EpisodeAdam Smith, “The Wealth of Nations” (1776), Chapter 7“Humanomics: Moral Sentiments and the Wealth of Nations for the Twenty-First Century” (2019), Vernon L. Smith and Bart J. Wilson“The Theory of Moral Sentiments” (1759), Adam SmithParables of Jesus found in the GospelsCarl David Anderson (physicist)The Gospel of John, Chapter 1C. S. Lewis’s TrilemmaLinks of Possible Interest:Humanomics: Moral Sentiments and the Wealth of Nations for the Twenty-First Centuryamazon.com/Humanomics-Sentiments-Twenty-First-Cambridge-Economics/dp/1316648818Dr Smith's Visitor Page at Ralston Collegehttps://www.ralston.ac/people/vernon-l-smithRalston Collegehttp://ralston.acRalston College Short Courseshttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesStephen Blackwoodstephenjblackwood.comTimeline0:00 – Introduction1:10 – The most misunderstood economic concept today4:17 – Definitions: market and ideological equilibrium10:24 – How markets work without central planning13:31 – Maximum utility and Dr Smith’s experiments16:03 – Inadequacy of term “free market”18:08 – Why do some believe “capitalism” is the source of our ills?27:59 – Human dignity and economic output34:18 – Dr Smith’s experiments in behavioral economics43:21 – Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments and self-interest58:21 – Beneficence and whether it can be coerced1:07:48 – Non-zero reciprocity as the key to market success1:19:14 – Invisible realities and the invisible hand1:30:50 – Competition as a solution for higher education#RalstonCollege
Iain McGilchrist: The Coincidence of Opposites Ralston College 2021-11-24 | Ralston College presents a lecture by Dr Iain McGilchrist followed by a discussion with Dr Stephen Blackwood and questions from the audience. In his lecture Dr McGilchrist deals with certain themes that are treated at greater length in his recent book The Matter With Things. He focuses especially upon the coincidence of opposites (coincidentia oppositorum), which he explores (providing an extraordinary range of illustrative examples) in such a way as to make manifest both its universality and its particular relevance to our present historical moment.The event took place online on October 26th, 2021.Artists, Art, and Writings Mentioned in this EpisodeIroquoian CosmologyCharles Sanders PeirceNiehls BohrFriedrich HölderlinGoetheHeraclitusAlan WattsUpanishadsWilliam BlakeJacob NeedlemanHegelAlfred North WhiteheadM.C. Escher, “Angels and Devils”Friedrich NietzscheRyōan-ji Zen GardenFriedensreich HundertwasserCarl JungOchwiay BianoWilliam Blake, “Auguries of Innocence”Sam JohnsonLaurence SterneWilliam WordsworthDavid Olive (physicist) William EmpsonOliver Wendell HolmesJoseph CampbellEmpedocles F.W.J von SchellingKabbalahAristotle, concept of “phronesis”Louis PasteurPierre CurieWilliam JamesWilfred Owen, “Strange Meeting”Jonathan SacksFranz Schubert, String Quartet in C MajorThe SophistsProtagorasImmoderate Greatness, William OphulsOedipus RexJesus, “The Lord’s Prayer”Links of possible interest:Channel McGilchristchannelmcgilchrist.comThe Matter With Things (soon available elsewhere)bookdepository.com/Matter-With-Things-Iain-McGilchrist/9781914568060amazon.com/Matter-Things-Brains-Delusions-Unmaking-ebook/dp/B09KY5B3QLRalston Collegehttps://www.ralston.acRalston College Short Courseshttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesStephen Blackwoodstephenjblackwood.comTimeline0:00 – Introduction4:44 – McGilchrist’s Lecture1:05:44 – Q and A#RalstonCollege
Marwa Al-Sabouni: Architecture as a Matter of Life or Death Ralston College 2021-07-20 | Ralston College presents a conversation between Stephen Blackwood and award-winning architect and author Marwa Al-Sabouni, followed by an audience Q & A. A voice of penetrating clarity and prophetic power, Al-Sabouni discusses the role of architecture in cultivating or undermining our social fabric, arguing that the seeds of the devastating Syria Civil War were sown by the choices of architects and city planners. Though born of particular and painful experience, Al-Sabouni's insights on the nature of human life and community are universal, and offer consolation and hope amidst the civic alienation and aesthetic degradation facing so many of us today.The conversation took place online on June 24th, 2021.Artists, Art, and Writings Mentioned in this EpisodeKhalid ibn al-Walid MosqueSaint Mary of the Holy Belt CathedralSouk marketplacesRoger Scruton: The Aesthetics of ArchitectureChristopher AlexanderLinks of Possible Interest:The Battle for Home: The Vision of a Young Architect in Syriawwnorton.com/books/9780500343173Building for Hope: Towards an Architecture of Belongingthamesandhudson.com/building-for-hope-towards-an-architecture-of-belonging-9780500343722Dr Al-Sabouni's Fellow Page at Ralston Collegehttps://www.ralston.ac/people/marwa-al-sabouniRalston Collegehttp://ralston.acRalston College Short Courseshttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesStephen Blackwoodstephenjblackwood.comTimeline0:00 – Introduction4:15 – Al-Sabouni’s Overview of Homs’ architecture and destruction17:26 – Role of architecture in undoing moral fabric29:21 – How civic policy contributes to architectural degradation34:56 – The means to foster a shared human horizon that affirms difference while also transcending it45:06 – The necessity and decline of face-to-face encounters54:10 – Buildings as a way to cultivate shared feelings of belonging 1:01:40 – “He who has no old has no new”1:10:35 – Q and A#RalstonCollege
Alexander Stoddart: Culture as Communion with the Dead Ralston College 2021-06-02 | In Part II of their discussion Stephen Blackwood and Alexander Stoddart speak about the transhistorical community of past, present, and future. Stoddart explicates his Schopenhauerian view of art as life-denying and thus paradoxically able to help us relinquish our own will to power. He contrasts this view with that of a shallow presentism, a self-absorbed modernist outlook that views the present as inherently superior to both past and future, cutting off its own vital resources and neglecting its fundamental obligations. Stoddart shows another way.Artists, Art, and Writings Mentioned in this Episode: HomerPalmyraBr’er Rabbit and the Tar-BabyArthur SchopenhauerJean-Paul SartreMichel FoucaultFriedrich NietzscheWalter ScottRichard WagnerGiovanni Pierluigi da PalestrinaCharles DickensWalter PaterGian Lorenzo BerniniBuddhas of BamiyanTrajan's ForumRalston College Short Courseshttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesThe ColosseumBartolomeo Colleoni MonumentThe Shard of LondonAlbert Speer’s Volkshalle ("People's Hall")T. S. Eliot: “Four Quartets”Gone with the Wind, House of Tara (Antebellum architecture)Richard James WyattLincoln MemorialJohn Flaxman: Am I Not a ManThomas Banks profile of Thomas Muir of Huntershill (nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/artists/thomas-banks)Edgar DegasPaul CézannePierre-Auguste RenoirThe AcropolisTycheStatue of Tyche and Plutus in IstanbulStatue of LibertyChrist the Redeemer in Rio de JaneiroMount RushmoreLinks of Possible Interest:Ralston Collegehttps://www.ralston.acRalston College Short Courseshttps://www.ralston.ac/humanities-short-coursesStephen Blackwoodstephenjblackwood.com0:00 – Beginning 2:00 – Stoddart’s beginnings5:13 – Relationship between time and eternity in sculpture11:10 – Present, past, and future in art14:58 – The impulse of iconoclasm22:05 – Idolatry of the present26:32 – Iconoclasm as amnesia30:11 – Stoddart’s other artistic interests37:54 – Monuments and the sins of the past45:34 – Dying and life-affirmation50:03 – How to have a fruitful relationship with the past1:00:13 – How to fight despair through sculpture1:06:17 – Advice for young people making things#RalstonCollege
