In this episode, Paris and Menelaus duel over Helen and the fate of Troy. Menelaus wins (yeah, he does) -- so why doesn't the war end here? Brian, Shilo, and Jeff discuss what this book of the Iliad teaches us about the difference between Greeks and Trojans: are the Greeks all about anger, and the Trojans all about sex? Also: who is the better leader: Priam, Agamemnon, or Continue Reading …
Combat & Classics Ep. 58 Homer’s “Iliad” Book 1
We embark on our journey through Homer's "Iliad," humanity's longest surviving poem on war. We ask "why is human rage a good subject for a war poem, and not the wrath of gods?" You can ask us questions on our pod by emailing us at combatandclassics.org and follow us on social media @combatandclassics. Continue Reading …
Entering the Stoic World, Part 2: Metaphysics
This post examines the metaphysics or philosophy of nature behind the Stoic views on community and detachment described in Part 1, and how this metaphysics changed in the later centuries of the school's history. Before going into detail, it will be helpful to contextualize the Stoics' metaphysics within their broader tradition of philosophy. Despite preferring their porticoes Continue Reading …
Entering the Stoic World, Part 1: Cynicism 2.0
Monday the 2nd to Sunday the 8th of November 2015 is the fourth annual international Live Like A Stoic Week. The organizers, Stoicism Today, have provided lots of resources on mental exercises and principles of virtue to assist you in the endeavor, along with psychological reasons for aspiring to this practice in the modern world. So, why I am here? To provide some less Continue Reading …
Discussion of “Antigone” Now Posted
The Not School Theater group got together via Skype last week to discuss Sophocles's play "Antigone", and members can now find our conversation over in the Free Stuff for Citizens section of the site. The roster on this one consisted of Carlos Franke, Phillip Cherny, Mark Linsenmayer, Michael Rissman and myself. Trying to get a toehold on the play's philosophical aspects, Continue Reading …