Why Socrates Matters

New Event: November 22

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,

In a world brimming with information and rapidly shifting beliefs, the lessons from Socrates resonate more than ever.

How do we seek knowledge in an age of uncertainty? How can we engage in meaningful dialogue that encourages critical thinking? What can his ideas teach us about social justice, politics, education and our own minds?

Join our online interdisciplinary discussion, looking at the relevance of Socrates today, drawing on the perspectives of classics, history, philosophy, and psychology and discover the life and legacy of one of history's most influential thinkers and why his ideas continue to inspire and provoke us today. 

Featuring prominent professors and renowned authors including: Armand D’Angour, Donald Robertson, Angie Hobbs and Massimo Pigliucci. Moderated and hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom.

This Panel Discussion will take place on November 22nd at NOON EST.

*Can't Make it Live? If you register in advance, we will send you the recording.*

About the Speakers:

Armand D’Angour is Professor of Classics at Oxford University and Fellow and Tutor in Classics at Jesus College, Oxford. He is the host of the podcast series It's All Greek (and Latin) to Me and author of many books, including Socrates in Love (2019), How to Innovate: An Ancient Guide to Creative Thinking (2021) and most recently, How to Talk about Love: An Ancient Guide for Modern Lovers, to be published in January 2025.

Donald Robertson is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer, specializing in teaching evidence-based psychological skills and is the president of Plato’s Academy Center. Donald is the author of several books and many articles on philosophy, psychotherapy, and psychological skills training, including How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, and most recently How to Think Like Socrates. 

Massimo Pigliucci is an author, blogger, podcaster, as well as the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His academic work is in evolutionary biology, philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophy. Massimo publishes a regular column in Philosophy Now entitled The Art of Living. His books include How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life (Basic Books) and most recently, Beyond Stoicism: A Guide to the Good Life with Stoics, Skeptics, Epicureans, and Other Ancient Philosophers (with Greg Lopez and Meredith Kunz, The Experiment).

Angie Hobbs gained a degree in Classics and a PhD in Ancient Philosophy at the University of Cambridge and in 2012 she was appointed Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield. She is author of many books, including Plato and the Hero (C.U.P) and Plato’s Republic: a Ladybird Expert Book; her Why Plato Matters Now will be published by Bloomsbury in 2025. She contributes regularly to radio and TV programmes and other media, including 26 appearances on In Our Time on Radio 4.  She has spoken at the World Economic Forum at Davos, the Athens Democracy Forum, the Houses of Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and Westminster Abbey and been the guest on Desert Island Discs, Private Passions and Test Match Special.

Discover the life and legacy of one of history's most influential thinkers and why his ideas continue to inspire and provoke us today:

I hope you can join us!

All the best,

Anya Leonard

Founder and Director

Classical Wisdom