"ONLINE" - The Nuts and Bolts of Plato - An informal talk by James

ONLINE - Monday 27th April 2020 – 7.00 pm “Greek Time”. (Join us from anywhere in the world. Check out the time of the talk where you are here: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ )

ONLINE TALK – ‘The Nuts and Bolts of Plato’ (An informal talk by James)

The talk will last about 35 minutes with some time afterwards for questions and discussion.

Note A: Quick notes on how to join this “online” meetup talk are at the bottom of these details. No one needs to see or hear you if you do not wish. You can just join and listen if you want.

Note B: Some meetup member will have already heard this talk in Athens last summer 2019. We will refresh some of the previous points and introduce some new ideas as well. (This talk helps prepare the ground for a new talk soon on Plotinus and his treaty on ‘Beauty’. (Ennead I, vi )

What this talk 'Nuts and Bolts of Plato' is about:

The talk will appeal to people who already know something about Socrates and Plato and want to know a little bit more. That said, no previous study of philosophy is needed to join and enjoy this talk. I will look at three central themes in Plato's writings: Metaphysics (i.e. the big stuff which is hard to prove scientifically – including Plato’s theory about Ideas and Forms); Psyche and the Soul in Plato (assuming we have one at all that is…); and a quick look at Plato’s ethics (i.e. the moral values and beliefs we have as individuals, or as collective communities.) This talk will help prepare us for a new talk coming soon on Plotinus and ‘Beauty’. (Ennead I, vi )

COST: In keeping with the Socratic tradition, James' meetup talks are offered free of charge for people who attend. However, voluntary contributions are accepted to help out with the ongoing expenses of putting on talks (usually face to face – but currently online) and other philosophical activities. (There is no pressure to contribute.) Contributions can be made via Paypal to: jamesdelphi2000@gmail.com

How to join this ‘online’ talk.

You need to be a member of our philosophy meetup group at: https://www.meetup.com/Athens-Philosophy-Talks-Walks-and-Discussions-with-James/ which means you will get notified when the talks are arranged. You then RSVP to say you want to join this particular talk, and as soon as you do - meetup.com will automatically send you an email with the specific weblink to join the talk at the stated time.

I would suggest that 5 to 10 minutes before the talk starts (Monday 27th April - 7.00 pm Greek time) you simply click on the link you were sent by meetup to join the talk. I will be on-line 10 minutes before the talk starts for people who want to check ‘the technology’ and make sure they are able to join the talk OK.

If it’s the first time you are using jitsi.org - you will automatically be asked to download the 'tiny' program. (Takes just 20 to 30 seconds). You will then be put straight through to the talk ready to start at promptly at 7.00 pm Greek time.

We will try the meeting platform jitsi.org for this first online talk - because it ‘seems’ so easy to use. (We’ll try Skype or Zoom another time if jitsi.org proves problematic.)

Try playing around with the jitsi.org settings for a minute or two before the talk starts. You can mute your sound – and I suggest all attendees do that when the talk actually starts (unless they to ask a question) in order to prevent background noise e.g coffee slurps etc. There is also a setting on jitsi.org to stop your camera - so no-one needs to hear or see you if you do not want.

Other Meetup Group Stuff:

1. There is a blog at https://socrates4today.blogspot.com/ with short pieces to read concerning the ideas of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle – and why some of these ideas are useful for our own Life Choices today.
2. Group emails are rarely sent – but a 2-question survey (poll) will be sent fairly soon – to try and assess what areas or of ‘Socratic’ philosophy interest group members the most.