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We will begin reading Plato’s Protagoras, ending at 328(d) with the conclusion of the artfully persuasive speech on virtue by the sophist Protagoras.
In the dialogue, Socrates provides a dramatic account of his audience with Protagoras and other sophists who claim that virtue can be taught and that they are qualified to teach it. But what is virtue – is it one thing or many, and can it be taught?
The sophist charges students a fee for imparting purported knowledge and wisdom. Before recounting his meeting with Protagoras, who famously claimed that “man is the measure of all things,” Socrates advises Hippocrates on the necessity of being a “knowledgeable consumer” of knowledge. Socrates warns, “… you are about to hand over your soul for treatment to a man who is, as you say, a sophist. As to what exactly a sophist is, I would be surprised if you really knew. And yet, if you are ignorant of this, you don’t know whether you are entrusting your soul to something good or bad.”
As we read the speech of Protagoras on the teaching of virtue, is Socrates’ warning justified, or does Protagoras demonstrate that virtue is a thing that can be learned under the paid guidance of a professed expert?
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Our discussion will be recorded in voice only without video, using first name as it appears on your screen profile, and broadcast on the “Plato’s Pod” Podcast for those who would like to share in our knowledge. We can go anywhere the group wishes, for which some suggested themes will be offered. Wherever our discussion leads, Plato, without a doubt, would have imagined no better way than in dialogue for knowledge – the account of the reasons why – to multiply its connections. We welcome the sharing of all perspectives, whether you are new to or experienced with Plato. Recordings of previous episodes of the Plato’s Pod podcast are at https://open.spotify.com/show/53Zvjr7avMylQgNqfqBxlk?si=7b50d100bfc4474d and other podcast platforms.
After the podcast recording ends in two hours, participants are welcome to remain for “Plato’s Café”, a casual half-hour discussion of your choice of themes from any of Plato’s works, or philosophy in general.
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FRIDAY BEFORE THE MEETUP: We will post selections from the reading for discussion on a shared drive for participants at https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqvPwkIofv4UaFldrPpbva3VSXI?e=3Y7PjP, where you can also find topics explored in our previous meetups. Our meetings will generally be scheduled every two weeks on Sunday at 2 p.m. eastern. During our dialogue, participants are encouraged to relate their comments to Plato's text, referring to the Stephanus number for the passage so others can follow in the reading. Participants are also encouraged to read the text aloud for the meaning of the written word to resonate.
There are many translations of Plato's works available, of varying quality. Your public library will have multiple editions. A free translation of the Protagoras is available at https://gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1591/pg1591-images.html. Participants in our entire series might be interested in purchasing Plato: Complete Works (https://www.amazon.ca/Plato-Complete-Works/dp/0872203492/).
The Meetup will take place on Zoom. Please RSVP to access the Zoom link at your Meetup account.

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