How Can We Measure Our Progress in Virtue & Philosophical Growth ?

(7.00 for a 7.15 pm start "Greek" Time.)

Discussing An Essay by the Ancient Greek Philosopher Plutarch (from Chaeronea c 50 to 120 A.D.)

Details

An informal talk by James lasting 45 minutes (including reading some of Plutarch's essay together); with time for questions and discussion afterwards.
‘How Can We Measure Our Progress in moral Virtue & Philosophy?’
(from Plutarch’s book of essays: Ηθικά / Ethics / Moralia)

One of Plutarch’s many tips in this interesting essay is:
'Furthermore, take care, in reading the writings of philosophers or hearing their speeches, that you do not attend to words more than things, nor get attracted more by what is difficult and curious - than by what is serviceable and solid and useful……

What This Talk Is About:

The Greek philosopher Plutarch from Chaeronea (Central Greece) was one of the most prolific and respected essay writers from antiquity. His style is generally very understandable, useful and down to earth. Interestingly, he spent many years living in Delphi where he served as a senior priest of Apollo.

I will be discussing just one of his ‘moral’ essays about recognising our own progress in virtue as we go through life – which is synonymous with our development and growth as philosophers. In this very practical essay, Plutarch gives lots of straight forward advice, quotes from many other well-known Greek philosophers, and many anecdotes about moral virtue and living the philosophical life.

“IF” we regard philosophy as essentially a practical subject about how to live our lives wisely and in the best possible way, then this essay has important advice for us all about the way we live in our modern world, and how to recognise our own progress along the philosophical path.

COST OF TALK:

In keeping with the Socratic tradition, James' meetup.com talks are offered free of charge for people who attend. (Small voluntary contributions are welcome to help out with the ongoing expenses of putting on various talks. However, there is no pressure to contribute.)

HOW TO JOIN THIS TALK:

Please RSVP for the talk if you think you will attend so I have a ‘rough’ idea on numbers.

No previous formal study of philosophy is needed to come along and enjoy this talk. However, more experienced philosophers are also welcome.

The talk is in English – but easy straight forward English is used – so non mother tongue speakers of English can feel confident about coming along.

Although the Meetup group has a large membership, the number of attendees at any one talk is usually between 8 and 15 people 'of all ages' – offering a small, relaxed and informal setting.

Venue / Time

We will meet around 7.00 pm - in the pleasant Athens SafeStay Youth Hostel (formerly Athens Style) roof terrace bar/restaurant - and the talk starts promptly at 7.15 pm. The talk will last about 45 minutes, and there will be some relaxed time afterwards for questions and discussion about the points raised. We will finish around 8.30 / 8.45 p.m. (Note: I am always interested to hear suggestions about good alternative venues in central Athens for talks so that we do not use the same venues all the time.)

HOW TO FIND US

When you get to the Athens SafeStay hotel/hostel (near Monesteraki Metro at Agias Theklas 10, 10554 · Athens) go in and ask the reception staff to point you up to the roof terrace bar. When you get to the bar/restaurant ask for James – and let him know you have come for the talk.)

DRINKS / SNACKS etc can be purchased from the bar to enjoy with the talk “if you wish” – but again no pressure to buy anything.

NOTE - You may need to bring a jacket in case in gets a bit chilly later on.

LINKS / TEXT BEING DISCUSSED:

Below are some links in case you want to read this essay in advance of the talk – or perhaps afterwards if you find the subject interesting:

a) Extracts from Plutarch's essay for use at the talk are at:
https://jameslongerstuff.blogspot.com/2021/02/plutarch-extracts-for-meetup-talk-march.html
(In particular we will look at: Paragraphs v, viii, and ix )

b) The full Plutarch essay being discussed is also available for free and easily printable from:
https://jameslongerstuff.blogspot.com/2016/06/this-down-to-earth-essay-by-plutarch.html

c) Full book Moralia Available free in English on Amazon (Kindle):
https://www.amazon.com/Plutarchs-Morals-Plutarch-ebook/dp/B0082W83DO

d) James Audio Book Is Now Out – FREE SAMPLE