Sunday, June 13, 2021

Philosophy Talks in Delphi - Summer 2021 Programs

Every Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday Evening during JUNE 2021

@ Apollon CafĂ© – High Street, Delphi. (On the lovely terrace watching the sun go down.) Meet new people and learn something new.

Meet 7.00pm for a prompt 7.15 start


3 Introductory Philosophy Talks With Time for Questions and Discussion Afterward.

(by James, throughout June 2021)

3 Introductory Talks by James:

Monday Nights: 'Know Yourself’ - Socrates tells young Alcibiades; and we will look at Plato’s book ‘First Alcibiades' to help explain this ‘apparently’ easy idea. (Will include a general introduction to Plato and Socrates if you wish…..)

Tuesday Nights: ‘The Nuts and Bolts of Plato’ - Helping us to understand and enjoy Plato’s books more by looking at 3 regular themes frequent throughout his writings – Metaphysics, Psyche (the soul) and Ethics

Wednesday Nights: Plato’s Book ‘The Phaedrus' - suggesting that LOVE is an important driving force for our journey to the stars…..  

Note: No previous study of philosophy is needed to come along and enjoy the talks, while more experienced philosophers are also welcome. Talks are in English and last about 45 minutes with time for questions afterwards.

How to find us: The Apollon Cafe is in the little High Street in Greece - and we are meeting on the outside terrace at the rear of the cafe. When you arrive - please make your way through the cafe and out on to the terrace. Please find James and let him know you are there for the talk.


Cost: Places at the Delphi/June talks are limited, and need to be reserved. Tickets are offered on a ‘pay-what-you-can’ basis. (Suggested amount for those who can is 5 to 10 euros). The subject of the talk varies on different nights of the week - so please reserve your place for the correct evening at EVENTBITE:

….. or go to ‘Greek Philosophy Talks from Delphi on Eventbrite.com

To Contact James: to arrange another time for a private talk (subject to availability) individuals and groups email:

jamestalksgreece@hotmail.com



https://www.oraclesfromdelphi.org/

Friday, May 8, 2020

Greek Philosophy Talks and Walks in Athens Delphi and Online - 2020

Are you making important Life Choices….?

Want to know a little more about Socrates, Plato and Aristotle?

‘Real’ Greek Philosophy Talks and Walks

with James

Spring / Early Summer Program (2020) – Central Athens
(Now in its 8th year ! )

(Dates to be confirmed as soon as possible in light of Coronavirus)


Plus:  Regular Program of “on-line” talks

(Join the on-line talks from anywhere in the world.)


See:


and 


or contact:



Some regular talks include:

[1] 'Socrates and Know Yourself – and Plato’s First Alcibiades'
(With an introduction to 'real' Greek philosophy.) 


[2] ‘Aristotle’s Practical Philosophy’
(Tuesday Mornings – A philosophy walk in Athens or Delphi)

[3] ‘The Nuts and Bolts of Plato’
Looking at 3 regular themes in Plato – Metaphysics, Psyche and Ethics

[4] Plato's book – ‘The Phaedrus'
(…And the Idea That Love Can Be A Path Towards the Heavens....)

[5] Plato's book – ‘The Phaedo’
Concerning Socrates’ execution and his views on whether the soul exists or not

[6] Plutarch (c.50-c.120 AD) and his down to earth essay (from Moralia):
‘How can we measure our progress in virtue and/or philosophy’

[7] 'The Delphi Message' (Maxims)
Know Yourself and Live in Moderation.

[8] Plotinus and the Importance of Beauty (Ennead I, vi )

[9] Going Deeper Into “The Cave” (Plato’s Republic – 514a to 520e)

[10] Know Yourself -  Plato’s First Alcibiades; and Xenophon’s Memoirs of Socrates

[11] ‘Informal Coffee and Philosophy Sessions’ for individuals, small groups of friends or larger groups in Athens; or ancient Delphi.

(Note: At these informal coffee and philosophy sessions we just meet and discuss Greek Philosophy or making important Life Choices without a particular subject or format in mind. The great thing about a small group of say 4 to 6 people (as most talks usually are) is that we can discuss the parts of philosophy that interest us most personally. When possible, the talks will be given in and around Athens and Delphi at interesting or inspiring locations.)



For further details, or to arrange one of the above talks for yourself, your small group of friends, or your organisation contact:


jamestalksgreece@hotmail.com 




‘The unexamined life is not worth living.’

‘I know I know nothing’ (Socrates)


Footnote: For those people unable to get to one of the above talks but who would like to know more about ‘Real’ Greek philosophy - take a look at the new book by James: Life Choices - Important Tips from Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Talk In Athens - 18th November 2019


Monday, November 18, 2019

Going Deeper Into The Cave

An informal talk by James with time for questions afterwards. (Note: This is a new talk for the Athens Meetup Group.) Let's meet at 7.00 pm for a 7.15 pm start.

What This Talk Is About

This talk with discussion and questions as we go will last about 50 minutes and be divided into 3 main parts as follows:

a) A quick recap of Plato’s famous allegory of the Cave and the ascent of the prisoner – from the dark underground cavern where he has been held captive since childhood. This is a famous Platonic Myth used to represent the human condition. (Plato’s Republic – 514a to 517a)

b) Socrates insistence that after the prisoner has enjoyed his/her new freedom for a while outside of the cave, they should return to the dark Cave and to the other prisoners; and why is so. (Republic-519c/d to 520e)

c) A more open discussion – and questions about the Cave and its importance (if any) for us all today. This short allegory raises so many questions left unanswered in Plato. We will consider some of the deeper implications - such as why people resist the help of the returned prisoner to escape- and how the other prisoners can be encouraged and assisted to leave the Cave both as individuals and societies. What new narratives will be necessary to encourage them to leave - or at least live better?

“IF” we regard philosophy as essentially a practical subject about how to live wisely (rather than purely the discussion of abstract points), then the Allegory of the Cave has important questions for us all to answer – to our own satisfaction at least…….

(If you wish to read / print Plato's relevant text for this talk
in advance it is at
www.socrates4today.blogspot.com/2019/10/text-for-meetup-group-members-for-talk.html )

Some Practical Details About Talk / How to Find Us

The talk lasts about 45 -50 minutes with time for questions afterwards. Meet in the lovely AthenStyle roof terrace bar around 7.00 pm ready for a prompt 7.15 pm start. (When you get to the AthenStyle hotel/hostel go in and ask the reception staff to point you up to the roof terrace bar. When you arrive find James and let him know you are there for the talk.)

In keeping with the Socratic tradition, this ‘meetup’ talk is offered free of charge for people who come along. (Voluntary contributions of 3 – 5 euros afterwards are welcome to help out with the ongoing expenses of putting on talks and other activities. However, there is no pressure to contribute.)

(Perhaps bring a jacket with you in case it gets a little chilly on the enclosed rooftop terrace where the talk is held.)

Other News:

For those of you who read electronic Amazon Kindle eBooks, I thought I would let you know that there is a "free offer" for for my new eBook from Thursday 17th to Monday 21st October 2019 inclusive. You can simply go to:
 www.amazon.com/dp/B07NK3KPKV and download the Kindle eBook free of charge during those dates if you wish. The title is: LIFE CHOICES - Important Tips from Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. There are chapters on 'Know Yourself', the 'Phaedrus', Aristotle's Practical Philosophy and more...... A paperback is also available for purchase if you prefer - and the "audio" book should be released over Christmas this year.


Some of James’ Other Philosophical Activities:


Socrates 4 Today is the blog where the ideas of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and sometimes other important Greek philosophers are discussed. It’s not about history or philosophy in classrooms – it’s about why some of these ideas are important to investigate (i.e. agree or disagree with) for our lives today.


James’ Philosophical Agora is a more personal blog where James keeps in touch with friends he has met over the years who share his interest in philosophy and current affairs. On this blog James shares his more personal views rather than those of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.


Why Not Stay 3 Days in Delphi? is a blog where James shares his enthusiasm for Delphi and encourages people not to go for a quick day trip - but to spend a little time there and get to know the place - and maybe even to: 'Know Yourself’

The Little Academy of Athens ©

More details of this embryonic project will be posted on the Socrates 4 Today blog as they develop. It is envisaged that this project will start as a ‘summer school’ where people can come for a few days, or a week or two at different times of the year; perhaps during the academic holidays or while ‘travelling’. Over time it is hoped more and more friends of ‘real’ Greek philosophy will pass through the The Little Academy of Athens, and as a result, shine more brightly and consistently in their own part of the world. See: www.socrates4today.blogspot.com