Does Plato Still Matter Today? with Angie Hobbs

Intelligence Squared

Arts, News, Society & Culture, News Commentary

4.2 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 9 August 2025

⏱️ 54 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Can ancient philosophy make sense of a modern life? In this episode, Sophie Scott-Brown speaks to academic philosopher and author Angie Hobbs about the enduring relevance of Plato and how his ideas continue to resonate in today’s world. Plato’s Republic remains a foundational text to Western thought. Hobbs brings us back to this key text and reminds us that throughout all of Plato’s writing the narrator is always present. Plato’s true legacy, therefore, lines in the questions he forces us to ask – about justice, leadership, love and truth. His methodology of inquiry still underpins much of modern philosophy, shaping both its ideals and its blindspots. For Hobbs, Plato is more relevant than ever, and we should view his works not as relics but tools necessary in our modern world. Regardless of whether we’re reading ancient texts or scrolling through social media, one thing remains true: no opinion is free from context. Angie Hobbs is the Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield. She is a specialist in Ancient Greek philosophy, focusing on ethics, political theory, and moral psychology. Her new book, Why Plato Matters Now, a definitive guide to Plato and his place in the modern world. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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1:03.4	Welcome to Intelligence Squared, where great minds meet.
1:05.6	I'm producer Mia Sorrenti.
1:09.3	For many, the ancient Greek philosopher Plato is a relic of the past.
1:14.6	However, his ideas remain at the core of even the most contemporary philosophical ideas. From Slavo Gijek to Noam Chomsky, Plato's influence remains evident in works about democracy, autocracy and culture.
1:21.6	But if this is the case, then why have we stopped engaging with his works?
1:25.6	In today's episode, we're joined by philosopher Angie Hobbes.
1:29.7	She is the professor of public understanding of philosophy at the University of Sheffield,
1:33.7	and a specialist in ancient Greek philosophy and ethics.
1:37.9	Angie spoke to anarchist philosopher Sophie Scott Brown about Plato's enduring relevance and
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