Podcast appearances and mentions of Angie Hobbs

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Plato's Crito and Phaedo, his accounts of the last days of Socrates in prison in 399 BC as he waited to be executed by drinking hemlock. Both works show Socrates preparing to die in the way he had lived: doing philosophy. In the Crito, Plato shows Socrates arguing that he is duty bound not to escape from prison even though a bribe would open the door, while in the Phaedo his argument is for the immortality of the soul which, at the point of death, might leave uncorrupted from the 'prison' of his body, the one escape that truly mattered to Socrates. His example in his last days has proved an inspiration to thinkers over the centuries and in no small way has helped ensure the strength of his reputation.WithAngie Hobbs Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of SheffieldFiona Leigh Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at University College LondonAnd James Warren Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Corpus Christi College, CambridgeProducer: Simon TillotsonReading list:David Ebrey, Plato's Phaedo: Forms, Death and the Philosophical Life (Cambridge University Press, 2023)Dorothea Frede, ‘The Final Proof of the Immortality of the Soul in Plato's Phaedo 102a-107a' (Phronesis 23, 1978)W. K. C. Guthrie, A History of Greek Philosophy, vol. 4, Plato: The Man and his Dialogues, Earlier Period (Cambridge University Press, 2008) Verity Harte, ‘Conflicting Values in Plato's Crito' (Archiv. für Geschichte der Philosophie 81, 1999)Angie Hobbs, Why Plato Matters Now (Bloomsbury, forthcoming 2025), especially chapter 5 Rachana Kamtekar (ed.), Plato's Euthyphro, Apology and Crito: Critical Essays (Rowman and Littlefield, 2004)Richard Kraut, Socrates and the State (Princeton University Press, 1984)Melissa Lane, ‘Argument and Agreement in Plato's Crito' (History of Political Thought 19, 1998) Plato (trans. Chris Emlyn-Jones and William Preddy), Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo and Phaedrus (Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 2017)Plato (trans. G. M. A. Grube and John Cooper), The Trial and Death of Socrates: Euthyphro Apology, Crito, Phaedo (Hackett, 2001) Plato (trans. Christopher Rowe), The Last Days of Socrates: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo (Penguin, 2010)Donald R. Robinson (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Socrates (Cambridge University Press, 2011)David Sedley and Alex Long (eds.), Plato: Meno and Phaedo (Cambridge University Press, 2010)James Warren, ‘Forms of Agreement in Plato's Crito' (Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society, Volume 123, Issue 1, April 2023)Robin Waterfield, Why Socrates Died: Dispelling the Myths (Faber and Faber, 2010)In Our Time is a BBC Studios Audio Production

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?Enjoy this 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.Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Can we still expect a meaningful job, stable income, a chance of owning property? How have expectations changed and what is the place of protest? Matthew Sweet's guests this week are: David Willetts is a former Universities Minister and now a life peer. The Rt Hon Lord Willetts FRS is also current President of the Resolution Foundation, Chair of the UK Space Agency and a visiting Professor at King's College London. His books include The Pinch: How the Baby Boomers Took Their Children's Future – And Why They Should Give It Back Dr Tiffany Watt Smith is Director for the Centre for the History of Emotions at Queen Mary, London. Her books include Schadenfreude: The Joy of Another's Misfortune, and The Book of Human Emotions. She was chosen as a BBC/AHRC New Generation Thinker in 2014 and you can hear her in Free Thinking discussions about happiness, schadenfreude and she presented a short feature about the science of baby laughs. Professor Will Davies is a sociologist and political economist teaching at Goldsmiths University of London. His books include Nervous States: How feeling took over the world, The Happiness Industry: How the government and big business sold us wellbeing and This is Not Normal: The collapse of liberal Britain. Elizabeth Oldfield's latest book is called Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times. She hosts The Sacred podcast and is a former director of Theos, a religion and society think tank.Plus a report from an event this week in which the Royal Institute of Philosophy was paying tribute to its outgoing president, the political philosopher and ethicist Onora O'Neill, and welcoming her successor, the political philosopher Jonathan Wolff. We hear from Angie Hobbs, Paul, Tom Shakespeare, Grace Lockrobin, Onora O'Neill and Jo Wolff.Producer: Luke Mulhall

Marcus Aurelius is generally regarded as one of the "Five Good Emperors" and is often praised for his Stoic philosophy, particularly as expressed in his "Meditations." However, like any historical figure, he is not without criticisms both in his own time and in ours...But are these insignificant issues? Or do they undermine his position as a philosopher and disciple of Stoicism?  His reign was marked by military conflicts, political intrigues, and compromises that may not align perfectly with Stoic ideals. Was he truly a Stoic? About the Panelists: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'. 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 Houses of Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and Westminster Abbey and been the guest on Desert Island Discs, Private Passions and Test Match Special and has most recently been filmed with Mary Beard discussing Marcus Aurelius. You can follow Angie at @drangiehobbs and learn more about her at angiehobbs.com.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 regular columns in Skeptical Inquirer and in Philosophy Now. His books include ‘How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life' (Basic Books) and ‘Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk' (University of Chicago Press). Massimo's latest book is ‘The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders' (Basic Books). More by Massimo at https://newstoicism.org.Donald Robertson is an author and psychotherapist, specializing in the relationship between modern cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and ancient Greek philosophy. He is one of the founding members of the Modern Stoicism organization and the author of three books on Marcus Aurelius.  ‘How to Think Like a Roman Emperor', a self-help book; 'Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius', a graphic novel; and, most recently, a biography titled 'Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor' due to be released by Yale University Press as part of their Ancient Lives series on February 6th.  He has also edited the Capstone Classics edition of the ‘Meditations' and contributed a chapter on Marcus Aurelius and psychotherapy to the forthcoming 'Cambridge Companion to Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.'  Donald is also the president and founder of the Plato's Academy Centre nonprofit, based in Greece.Moderated by Anya Leonard, the founder and Director of Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. Author of the children's book, "Sappho: The Lost Poetess", dedicated to the life, works and remarkable recent discovery of a poem written by the 7th century Poetess, Sappho, Anya has also recently launched Classical Wisdom Kids, a program bringing ancient wisdom to future minds. You can see Classical Wisdom's Books here: https://classicalwisdombooks.com/

A special episode discussing the war in Ukraine on the one year anniversary of its invasion. Angie Hobbs, Aaron Wendland and Gerald Lang chat with Simon Kirchin.  Aaron has organised a series of benefit talks supporting academics and students in Ukraine.  (Details near the top of the show.)  17th-19th March. Hosted here: https://civic.ukma.edu.ua/benefit/ 

Widely regarded as one of history's greatest philosophers, Plato is our leading source on the legend of Atlantis and the life and death of Socrates. Who was Plato and what can we learn from him? We talk to one of the world's top experts.

In this episode we talked to Professor Angie Hobbs about how we can apply the ancient Greek philosophy of flourishing to our lives today.    Angie gained a degree in Classics and a PhD in Ancient Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. After a Research Fellowship at Christ's College, Cambridge, she moved to the Philosophy Department at the University of Warwick; in 2012 she was appointed Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield, a position created for her.  She now holds a position with this title at the University of Warwick. Her chief interests are in ancient philosophy and literature, and ethics and political theory from classical thought to the present, and she has published widely in these areas, including Plato and the Hero (C.U.P).  Her most recent publication for the general public is Plato's Republic: a Ladybird Expert Book.  She contributes regularly to radio and TV programmes and other media around the world, including 24 appearances on In Our Time on BBC 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.    Angie was a judge of the Man Booker International Prize 2019 and was on the World Economic Forum Global Future Council 2018-9 for Values, Ethics and Innovation. www.angiehobbs.com Twitter @drangiehobbs  Key conversation points: Why flourishing is about the best actualization and fulfillment of all our faculties. Why flourishing means living the best life, both individually and as communities.  The values and virtues that best help us fulfill our faculties. The relevance and importance of Plato's and Aristotle's accounts of flourishing to the world today and how we live. Flourishing and the wholeness of our lives, in terms of lifespan, our characters, and our relations with others. Why flourishing gives you a secure framework of what it means to live a full, rich human life, both for yourself and your community. The role and importance of social connection in flourishing, particularly friendships and community connection. The dark side of flourishing. flourishfmpodcast.com

Thirty three scholars, philosophers, and archaeologists answer the question: If you could time travel to the ancient world, who would you want to meet? Scholars featured + the timestamps when they appear: 2:10  Edith Hall 3:36  Eric Cline 4:30  Andromache Karanika 5:45  Josiah Ober 6:48  Rush Rehm 7:30  Ian Morris 8:02  Rebecca Newberger Goldstein 9:20  Patrick Hunt 9:46  Raffaella Cribiore 11:04  Mark Adams 12:20  Peter Adamson 13:47  Richard Martin 15:08  M. M. McCabe 16:37  Zina Giannopoulou 18:45  Greg Nagy 19:43  Caroline Winterer 20:04  Melissa Lane 22:28  Alicia Stallings 22:57  Rhiannon Evans 24:04  Barbara Graziosi 24:54  Walter Scheidel 25:12  Matt Simonton 26:30  Emily Greenwood 27:57  Olga Levaniouk 30:00  Steele Brand 32:55  Rachel Barney 33:36  Angie Hobbs 35:31  Adrian Goldsworthy 36:30  Mary Bachvarova 37:42  Jonathan Lear 39:40  Mary Townsend 40:31  Gabriel Richardson Lear 42:14  Ben Morison

The Myth of Atlantis has captured the imagination since ancient times... when even then people questioned whether it was true or not. Renowned British philosopher and academic, Angie Hobbs delves into the validity of Plato's myth... and what it means for us today. More about Angie: Angie Hobbs is Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield.  She contributes regularly to radio and TV programmes and other media, including 24  appearances on BBC's In Our Time on Radio 4.  She has spoken at the World Economic Forum at Davos, the Houses of Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and Westminster Abbey and been the guest on Desert Island Discs, Private Passions and Test Match Special.  She was a judge of the Man Booker International Prize 2019 and was on the World Economic Forum Global Future Council 2018-9 for Values, Ethics and Innovation. Her most recent publication for the general public is Plato's Republic: a Ladybird Expert Book...which you can purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/Platos-Republic-Ladybird-Expert/dp/0718188527You can learn more about Classical Wisdom and Classical Wisdom Speaks here: https://classicalwisdom.com/Get your FREE Guide: How to Be Happy: An Ethical Guide to ancient Philosophy here: https://classicalwisdom.com/how-to-be-happy/

James Campbell's family were unusual. They were the 'singing family'. Everyone on their street knew it - and heard it. They would sing at the drop of a hat and James' father had a barbershop quartet. Every Monday evening James would listen attentively to the sumptuous close harmonies and his father taught him and his siblings to harmonise too. James took this into his adult years. It gave him a lifelong enjoyment and confidence to harmonise with other people, just for fun. One day, when his father is taken very ill, James realises the power of harmony at the hardest of times as he and his family join around his father's hospital bed to sing. In this episode, Matthew Syed explores the importance of harmony and asks whether bringing in musical ideas could help bring us a little more harmony in our lives. We get a lesson in close harmony singing with folk trio Lady Maisery and consider how the principles of close listening could carry beyond a musical setting. And Matthew explores Plato's ideas about the soul in harmony with Professor Angie Hobbs, the Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield. And with Ian Cross, Emeritus Professor of Music and Science at the University of Cambridge, Matthew unravels the ways we communicate musically in conversation to signal agreement and to bond, showing the vital importance of musical interaction in bonding. Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer and Series Editor: Katherine Godfrey Executive Producer: Max O'Brien Music, Sound Design and Mix: Rob Speight Theme music by Ioana Selaru. A Novel production for BBC Radio 4.

Ian McMillan explores and delights in pretentiousness - in language and in writers. What do we mean when we say a piece of writing or a performer is pretentious? Ian's guests include the poet Luke Wright who shares a tour de force poem in defence of pretentiousness and pretentious things (eg children called 'Hopscotch and Entwhistle', 'carpaccio of stoat' smeared across a brick, 'tweedy too-short trousers' ). Also on the programme, the spoken word poet Jenny Lindsay delves deep into the art of the humblebrag (the pretence of self-deprecation, most frequently spotted on social media ) with a brand new poem. Angie Hobbs, (Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield) takes us back to Ancient Greece to talk about pretentious sandal-wearing on the part of great philosophers' acolytes - and she explains how Plato, the founding father of Western philosophy shows his teacher Socrates dealing with pretentious orators. And finally writer and critic Tomiwa Owolade explores the advice given by George Orwell on how to avoid pretentious prose - and finds out whether Orwell always followed his own advice.

Celebrated historians Niall Ferguson, James Hankins of Harvard University and renowned philosopher Angie Hobbs delve into the end of empires: How they meet their demise and what that means to us in the here and now. Hosted by Jack Visnjic of Ancient Greece Declassified Podcast, this conversation covers Ancient, Renaissance and the more modern state of states.   This discussion took place LIVE on Saturday, August 21st as part of Classical Wisdom's Symposium 2021: The End of Empires and the Fall of Nations. If you would like to watch all the recordings please go to: http://classicalwisdom.com/symposium or email us at info@classicalwisdom.com. About our Panelists: Niall Ferguson, MA, DPhil, FRSE, is the Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and a senior faculty fellow of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard. He is also a visiting professor at Tsinghua University, Beijing. He is the author of sixteen books, including The Pity of War, The House of Rothschild, Empire, Civilization and Kissinger, 1923-1968: The Idealist, which won the Council on Foreign Relations Arthur Ross Prize.He is an award-making filmmaker, too, having won an international Emmy for his PBS series The Ascent of Money. In 2020 he joined Bloomberg Opinion as a columnist. In addition, he is the founder and managing director of Greenmantle LLC, a New York-based advisory firm, a co-founding board member of Ualá, a Latin American financial technology company, and a trustee of the New York Historical Society and the London-based Centre for Policy Studies. His most recent book, The Square and the Tower, was published in the U.S. in 2018, and was a New York Times bestseller. A three-part television adaptation, Niall Ferguson's Networld, aired on PBS in March 2020. His most recent book, Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe, has just been published by Penguin.Angie Hobbs gained a degree in Classics and a PhD in Ancient Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. After a Research Fellowship at Christ's College, Cambridge, she moved to the Philosophy Department at the University of Warwick; in 2012 she was appointed Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield, a position created for her. Her chief interests are in ancient philosophy and literature, and ethics and political theory from classical thought to the present, and she has published widely in these areas, including Plato and the Hero (C.U.P). Her most recent publication for the general public is Plato's Republic: a Ladybird Expert Book. She contributes regularly to radio and TV programmes and other media, including 22 appearances on In Our Time on Radio 4. She has spoken at the World Economic Forum at Davos, the Houses of Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and Westminster Abbey and been the guest on Desert Island Discs, Private Passions and Test Match Special.She was a judge of the Man Booker International Prize 2019 and was on the World Economic Forum Global Future Council 2018-9 for Values, Ethics and Innovation.Dr. James Hankins, professor of History at Harvard University and an intellectual historian specializing in the Italian Renaissance. He is the general editor of the I Tatti Renaissance Library, which publishes bilingual editions of important Latin works of the Renaissance as well as author of many books, including, Virtue Politics: Soulcraft and Statecraft.

In the second half of book 3 of the Republic, Plato lays out the controversial theory of mimesis, which states that all art, man-made objects, and cultural products in our environment have profound effects on the health of our souls.  With us to help us unpack, analyze, and evaluate Plato’s arguments is, once again, Angie Hobbs, professor of the public understanding of philosophy at the University of Sheffield, England.  ------------------ Support Ancient Greece Declassified on Patreon: patreon.com/greecepodcast Or make a one-time donation: paypal.me/greecepodcast

Following Socrates' claim that the ideal republic should be ruled by a class of "guardians," the question naturally arises: Who or what will keep these guardians in check? How do you prevent the government from becoming an unaccountable and oppressive regime? Our exploration of Plato's Republic continues, this time with Angie Hobbs, professor of the public understanding of philosophy at the University of Sheffield in England. She has written several books including Plato and the Hero, which touches on a lot of the topics we will be discussing today. Her latest book is a short guide to Plato’s Republic in the Ladybird Expert Series. Stay tuned at the end of this episode for a chance to win a copy of the book. *** Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/greecepodcast Or make a one-time donation: paypal.me/greecepodcast

As a nation, the Brits have been through quite a bit over the last year. A sort of late midlife health and emotional crisis. The twin demons of pandemic and Brexit have scarred and divided us. But what is the collective mindset that led to the Brexit vote? And how have our values determined how we have coped with the pandemic: the wishes and needs of the individual do not always coincide with those of the group, our nation. Face masks don’t just protect us they are intended to safeguard others. How has pandemic changed our values and priorities - both on a personal and public level? Or will it be back to business as usual once we are all vaccinated?In the latest in its series of podcasts supported by the investment bank Stifel and its European President Eithne O’Leary, Jericho Chambers Partner, Matthew Gwyther speaks to Eithne plus three book authors and a young, American colleague of Eithne’s who has only recently joined the bank after completing a Masters at LSE in London.Professor Angie Hobbs is one of the UK’s most sparkling and life-enhancing academics. About as far removed from a dusty university garett as possible - yet without succumbing to the crass populism and over exposure of other TV Profs - she is a Cambridge-trained classicist, and Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield. Wildly popular among her students, she has even appeared on Desert island Discs. Her interview tells us what Plato would have made of that would-be classicist Boris Johnson who has a bust of Pericles in his office. What the Stoics and Epicureans can teach us about coping with pandemic - they had many plagues in Ancient Greece - and how the fashionable cult of mindfulness has been around for more than two thousand years. And sovereignty and freedom...would the average ancient Greek in his sandals have voted Leave? This podcast is part of The Double-Wicked Challenge; COVID and Brexit conversation series, curated by Jericho on behalf of Stifel Europe.For further information or to get involved, please contact Jericho Founder, Robert Phillips or Programme Director, Becky Holloway.

From the 6th century BCE, philosophy was used to make sense of the world – including astronomy, mathematics, politics, ethics, metaphysics and aesthetics. But why did philosophy flourish in Greek culture? How were the great philosophers received in their own time? And how did it influence Islam, communism and even the theories of Sigmund Freud? Rob Weinberg puts the big questions about history’s biggest thinkers to Professor Angie Hobbs at the University of Sheffield. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From the 6th century BCE, philosophy was used to make sense of the world – including astronomy, mathematics, politics, ethics, metaphysics and aesthetics. But why did philosophy flourish in Greek culture? How were the great philosophers received in their own time? And how did it influence Islam, communism and even the theories of Sigmund Freud? Rob Weinberg puts the big questions about history’s biggest thinkers to Professor Angie Hobbs at the University of Sheffield.Subscribe to History Hit and you'll get access to hundreds of history documentaries, as well as every single episode of this podcast from the beginning (400 extra episodes). We're running live podcasts on Zoom, we've got weekly quizzes where you can win prizes, and exclusive subscriber only articles. It's the ultimate history package. Just go to historyhit.tv to subscribe. Use code 'pod1' at checkout for your first month free and the following month for just £/€/$1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this conversation, Angie Hobbs, professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield and Mary Ann Sieghart, visiting fellow of All Souls College, Oxford and former Assistant Editor at The Times discuss the ethical challenges of Covid-19. They explore the ethical frameworks that could have been used to decide how the government dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic, stress the importance of protecting both future and older generations, and discuss whether the government has the same duty of care to non-residents as residents. 

From the 6th century BCE, philosophy was used to make sense of the world – including astronomy, mathematics, politics, ethics, metaphysics and aesthetics. But why did philosophy flourish in Greek culture? How were the great philosophers received in their own time? And how did it influence Islam, communism and even the theories of Sigmund Freud? Rob Weinberg puts the big questions about history’s biggest thinkers to Professor Angie Hobbs at the University of Sheffield.Subscribe to History Hit and you'll get access to hundreds of history documentaries, as well as every single episode of this podcast from the beginning (400 extra episodes). We're running live podcasts on Zoom, we've got weekly quizzes where you can win prizes, and exclusive subscriber only articles. It's the ultimate history package. Just go to historyhit.tv to subscribe. Use code 'pod1' at checkout for your first month free and the following month for just £/€/$1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome! This episode is another very important one for Reflexology, and actually complementary therapies in general.We wanted to follow up our last episode with Dr Angie Hobbs with another unique take on things, and this time our special guest is Dr Julia Boon who is not only Senior Partner in a very busy medical practice in the Midlands, UK but she also trained as a reflexologist and is a huge supporter of it. As we all know, the relationship between Complementary therapies and the medical profession has often been a point of contention so this podcast is another must listen for lots of us. Her views on sceptics, how complementary therapies could help the NHS in the future and how she uses reflexology herself are definitely something to be heard!Oh one quick note: at one point when discussing reflexology and pregnancy, they mention “SPD” which is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, which causes discomfort in the pelvic region.So thank you for joining us again, and we hope you enjoy listening to Dr Boon talking with PR's Martyn Finke now, on the PR Podcast!PR Website: www.professionalreflexology.orgPR Facebook: www.facebook.com/professionalreflexology/PR Twitter: @pro_reflexologyPR Instagram: www.instagram.com/professionalreflexology/

Is there hope? Photographers Don McCullin and Valerie Belin, and Angie Hobbs, professor of the public understanding of philosophy, ask if photography can save us. More information here: https://donmccullin.com/ https://valeriebelin.com/ http://angiehobbs.com/

Hi again and welcome to the Professional Reflexology Podcast! This episode is a very special one not only for us, but for Reflexology itself. Our guest is Dr Angie Hobbs who some of you will have seen on TV, heard on the radio and read her articles in the newspapers over the years. She Is Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield. Why is this such an important podcast? Well, Angie has been having extensive reflexology treatments for the last 25 years from Wendy Finke of Three Shires Reflexology. Obviously with Angie being a scientist, many of you who are reflexologists or those of you who have had reflexology will know the struggle we have to convince the nay-sayers and sceptics of the therapy of how amazing we know it is so her perspective and thoughts on it all are fascinating! You'll hear about Angie's journey from the start, her struggles with pregnancy, serious illnesses and her coming to trust and rely on Reflexology through her and her ongoing professional and personal friendship with Wendy, plus a lot more. So please do share this with as many people as you possibly can – not only is this a great listen it's also a fantastic advert for the therapy too. Thank you, and we hope you enjoy this as much as we did!Angie's Website: http://www.angiehobbs.com/Follow Angie on Twitter: @drangiehobbsWendy Finke / Three Shires Reflexology: https://www.threeshiresreflexology.comThree Shires Reflexology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreeShiresReflexology/PR Website: https://www.professionalreflexology.orgPR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/professionalreflexology/PR Twitter: @pro_reflexologyPR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalreflexology/ 

For over two and a half thousand years the Ancient Greek Spartans have been known for their military might, discipline and self-sacrifice. Recent popular culture has portrayed them as the ultimate fearless warriors, especially ‘the 300' Spartans who fought to the death at Thermopylae. But where does this image come from, and what do we really know about Spartan society and the peculiar utopia it tried to create? The city-state of Sparta has been admired for its stability, frugality, and the unusual social and sexual freedom of its women. But Sparta was also famous for its brutality towards its huge slave population, its authoritarian rule, and its policy of racial purity and eugenics that would eventually prove its undoing. Bridget Kendall talks to Christy Constantakopoulou, Professor of Classics and Ancient History at Birkbeck, University of London; Paul Rahe, Professor of History at Hillsdale College in the US; and Angie Hobbs, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield. Photo: Statue of King Leonidas in Sparta, Greece (TPopova/Getty Images)

2019 looks set to be a huge year for superhero movies with eleven films due for release. From X-Men: Dark Phoenix to Captain Marvel, Marvel studios' first movie led by a female; the superhero movie craze looks set to continue long into the future. Yet the idea of heroes has religious and cultural roots that go way back. The Epic of Gilgamesh written in 2100 BC is thought to be the oldest hero story. “Hero cults” were one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion. In the ancient Greek epic poem The Illiad “Homeric Heroes” are seen as exemplars of moral and physical action. Perhaps then it is not surprising that our modern day superheroes have such deep, on-going appeal. On this New Year’s eve edition of Beyond Belief, Ernie Rea discusses how the idea of heroes has developed, why those characters often have supernatural as well as superhuman dimensions and what religious and cultural meaning underlines their enduring appeal. He is joined by Angie Hobbs, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at Sheffield University, Natalie Haynes, Classicist and Comedian and Ajinbayo "Siku" Akinsiku, British/Nigerian Artist and Writer and creator of the Manga Bible. Producer: Catherine Earlam Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

2019 looks set to be a huge year for superhero movies with eleven films due for release. From X-Men: Dark Phoenix to Captain Marvel, Marvel studios' first movie led by a female; the superhero movie craze looks set to continue long into the future. Yet the idea of heroes has religious and cultural roots that go way back. The Epic of Gilgamesh written in 2100 BC is thought to be the oldest hero story. “Hero cults” were one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion. In the ancient Greek epic poem The Illiad “Homeric Heroes” are seen as exemplars of moral and physical action. Perhaps then it is not surprising that our modern day superheroes have such deep, on-going appeal. On this New Year’s eve edition of Beyond Belief, Ernie Rea discusses how the idea of heroes has developed, why those characters often have supernatural as well as superhuman dimensions and what religious and cultural meaning underlines their enduring appeal. He is joined by Angie Hobbs, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at Sheffield University, Natalie Haynes, Classicist and Comedian and Ajinbayo "Siku" Akinsiku, British/Nigerian Artist and Writer and creator of the Manga Bible. Producer: Catherine Earlam Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

This week we're looking the possibilities of looking back. Joining Ian McMillan are... Novelist and essayist Tim Winton has been twice shortlisted for the Booker prize for his novels 'The Riders' and 'Dirt Music'. In his most recent book, 'The Boy Behind the Curtain', he returns to his childhood. The comedian Stewart Lee has honed the art of the callback over a long career writing for television and radio alongside his stand-up touring schedule. Angie Hobbs is the Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield. It's been many years since she's read Milan Kundera's cult classic 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being', and we've asked her to return to the text. Bea Roberts wrote and performed 'Infinity Pool', a modern retelling of Madame Bovary and a hit at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe. For The Verb, we've asked her to tackle the language of the Tripadvisor review. Producer: Faith Lawrence First broadcast May 2017.

Rhianna Dhillon brings you another seriously interesting story from Radio 4. This week, luck. Whether we believe in luck or not, we do use the word- a lot! More as a figure of speech than an article of faith perhaps but some do pray for luck, others fantasise about it - and bad luck or misfortune is a staple of comedy Can luck be said to exist as some force in our lives and if so, what is its nature? How have people thought about luck in the past and what's changed today? Can you bring good luck upon yourself - there's a school of thought these days that thinks you can without appealing to the divine or supernatural. In Good Luck Professor Spiegelhalter, the Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk at Cambridge University looks at notions of luck in gambling, traces the origins of how we think about fate and fortune, the religious and psychological view of luck and how the emergence of theory of probability changed our view of it. He is convinced by the philosopher Angie Hobbs that there is one form of luck it is rational to believe in and by psychologist Richard Wiseman that there is a secular solution to bringing about good fortune in your life. Good Luck Professor Spiegelhalter, is presented by David Spiegelhalter and produced in Salford by Kevin Mousley.

What does it mean to live a Stoic life in 2017? With the current resurgence of interest in Stoic ideas,, The Verb investigates. Helping Ian is the philosopher Angie Hobbs, technology writer Tom Chatfield, Coralie Bickford Smith, Ned Boulting and John Osborne. Producer: Faith Lawrence.

After considering all of the concepts in Zeno's paradoxes, Professor Angie Hobbs looks at them as a broader body of work and explores some key themes.

In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs introduces Zeno of Elea, another of the Pre-Socratic philosophers. Zeno is most famous for his paradoxes, which we will explore in later episodes.

Although Zeno is now considered one of the key pre - Socratic philosophers, little is known about his life. None of his works survive intact, and so we must rely on the writings of his contemporaries to help understand Zeno's arguments and paradoxes. Professor Angie Hobbs draws on what we know about Plato and Aristotle to help us find out more about Zeno.

Professor Angie Hobbs describes The Moving Rows paradox with the aid of some on screen graphics.

Professor Angie Hobbs moves on to describe The Arrow paradox, which is perhaps the most challenging of all Zeno's paradoxes.

Chrystal Genesis and Heta Fell are pleased to present Stance​, a new podcast that explores diverse perspectives on hard hitting topics facing society today and sharing the stories of unusual and brilliant people changing the world through culture. Stance is presented as a transatlantic conversation between Chrystal in London and Heta in San Francisco, with global relevance. Stance aims to inform, entertain and inspire action. This trailer features some of the voices we hear from in our podcast - academic and sociologist Dr Robin DiAngelo, Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Fazeelat Aslam, philosopher Angie Hobbs, virtual reality expert Lauren Burmaster, and political leader Rushanara Ali MP. Join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @stancepodcast Subscribe here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/stance-trailer/id1193648912?i=1000380001847&mt=2 Stance launching on 20 January 2017.

On the Why Factor this week, Angie Hobbs asks why do we want or need heroes? What constitutes a heroic act? Is it something you set out to do, or something you don't choose, but live up to when it's thrust upon you? And why do societies celebrate heroism? Professor Hobbs talks to people who've been hailed as heroes: Colonel Tim Collins who gave a much praised eve-of-battle speech to his troops as they were about to enter Iraq in 2003, Justin Oliphant who tackles gang violence in South Africa and Dame Ellen MacArthur who broke the record for solo round the world sailing. Angie also hears from experts on heroism: psychologist professor Alice Eagly of Northwestern University, historian Sir Max Hastings and MP and explorer Rory Stewart. Produced by Arlene Gregorius and Jessica Treen (Photo of a helicopter rescue. Credit: IStock)

Professor Angie Hobbs from the University of Sheffield introduces the members of the panel, and describes some of the challenges involved with managing and maintaining the public spaces and parks in Sheffield today.

Professor Angie Hobbs asks if the key to harmonious living could be found in Plato's Republic where he proposes that the ideal state be run by philosophers and not by those who seek power for their own ends. Producer: Maggie Ayre.

A history of ideas. Presented by Melvyn Bragg but told in many voices. Each week Melvyn is joined by four guests with different backgrounds to discuss a really big question. This week he's asking 'How should we live together?'. Helping him answer it are economist Kate Barker, historian Justin Champion and the philosophers Timothy Secret and Angie Hobbs. For the rest of the week Kate, Justin, Timothy and Angie will take us further into the history of ideas around this question with programmes of their own. Between them they will examine: Adam Smith's idea of the free market; John Locke's prescription for cohesion in a diverse society - Toleration; ideas of ancestor worship as practiced by followers of Confucius; and Plato's idea of the Philosopher Kings - government by the wise. Producer: Melvin Rickarby.

In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses Parmenides argument for 'The Way of Truth' (Part 1).

In this final Pre-Socratic video, Professor Angie Hobbs examines some of the similarities and differences between the two great Presocratics; Heraclitus and Parmenides.

Professor Angie Hobbs examines the relevance and legacy of Parmenides to the study of philosophy today.

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses the importance of paradoxes in Heraclitus' works; one of the most eminent Pre-Socratic philosophers.

In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses some novel interpretations of Parmenides argument for 'The Way of Seeming' (Part 2).

In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses some novel interpretations of Parmenides argument for 'The Way of Seeming'.

In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses some novel interpretations of Parmenides argument for 'The Way of Truth'.

In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses Parmenides argument for 'The Way of Truth' (Part 2).

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs introduces Parmenides, one of the most eminent Pre-Socratic philosophers.

Angie Hobbs with Leif Wenar and David Runciman debate and explore one of the most searching ideas of twentieth century legal thought: John Rawls' assertion of the value of a veil of ignorance. John Rawls was a prolific American philosopher and one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. His magnum opus, A Theory of Justice defines the principles of Justice as those that "everyone would accept and agree to from a fair position". He proposed that in order to build a truly 'just' system of law, the law-makers should be kept unaware of their eventual position within that system - they should determine what is best for society from a position outside of society. This famous thought experiment is known as the 'veil of ignorance'. Rawls served as a soldier in the Second World War and was promoted to Sergeant. After he refused to discipline a fellow soldier, who he thought had done nothing wrong, he was demoted back to Private. Producer: Tim Dee.

A new history of ideas presented by Melvyn Bragg but told in many voices. Each week Melvyn is joined by four guests with different backgrounds to discuss a really big question. This week he's asking 'What is Justice'? Helping him answer it are barrister Harry Potter, criminologist David Wilson, philosopher Angie Hobbs and historian Alice Taylor. For the rest of the week Harry, David, Angie and Alice will take us further into the history of ideas about justice with programmes of their own. Between them they will examine civil disobedience, Kant's theory of Justice, Habeas Corpus and philosopher John Rawls' ideas on how to create a just society. Producer: Melvin Rickarby.

Extended video of the conversations on classical heroism: Ingrid Sharp and Angie Hobbs consider key characteristics of classical models of heroism (Full length).

Kirsty Young's castaway is Angie Hobbs, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield - a role which has brought her to the attention of a large audience. Brought up in Surrey, she was the youngest of three children. Her older sister died when Angie was just 11 years old. To begin with, she did not flourish at school, but went on to earn a place at Cambridge where she gained a first class degree in Classics and subsequently a doctorate. A career in academia has followed - after many years at the University of Warwick, she moved, in 2012, to the University of Sheffield. Producer: Isabel Sargent.

In this video Ingrid considers key characteristics of classical models of heroism, illustrated with examples of classical heroism in European literature during this period. As Ingrid mentions, she recently had the pleasure of discussing this fascinating topic further with Professor Angie Hobbs from the University of Sheffield. If you would like to view this full length conversation please continue to track 3.

Philosopher Angie Hobbs examines the concept of conscience or moral intuition and asks whether it stands up to rational scrutiny. In his Novel 'The Brothers Karamazov' the 19th century Russian writer Dostoevsky posed a moral dilemma – would it be morally right to murder an innocent child in exchange for Paradise on earth for all other humans. In other words does the end ever justify the means or are there actions which are simply unacceptable whatever the benefit? Angie Hobbs examines our moral intuitions and our sense of 'conscience' by talking through Dostoevsky's dilemma and asking what we really mean when we declare an act unconscionable. This programme is part of a week of programmes looking at the history of ideas around Freedom.

Philosopher Angie Hobbs is interested in Plato's idea that there is a relationship between beauty and morality. The idea that goodness is beautiful and evil things are ugly is written deep into our culture. But Plato's ideas also suggest that beautiful things could not be appreciated by evil people. Can that idea really survive the image of a Nazi Camp Kommandant listening to classical music? This programme is part of a week of programmes looking at the history of ideas around Freedom.

A new history of ideas presented by Melvyn Bragg but told in many voices. Melvyn is joined by four guests with different backgrounds to discuss a really big question. This week he's asking 'Why are things beautiful?' Helping him answer it are Mathematician Vicky Neale, historian of science Simon Schaffer and philosophers Barry Smith and Angie Hobbs. For the rest of the week Vicky, Simon, Barry and Angie will take us further into the history of ideas about beauty with programmes of their own. Between them they will examine the mathematics of beauty, whether beauty has moral force, whether beauty can be explained in evolutionary terms and how David Hume developed a theory of good taste.

Angie Hobbs wants to tell you about two kinds of freedom - Negative and Positive. This influential philosophical distinction was made in the 20th century by Isaiah Berlin but it's rooted in the ideas of the hugely influential Greek Philosopher Plato. Negative freedom involves getting things out of your way - be it the state, the police or your parents. Positive freedom is the ability to take command of your own self and make decisions that are in your own interest. Berlin used the metaphor of doors: Negative freedom concerns the number of doors open to you. Positive Freedom is about how you choose between them. Angie talks to conservative MP and ex-banker Jessie Norman and to environmental activist and ex-Jain monk Satish Kumar to see how these two ideas of freedom can co-exist. This programme is part of a week of programmes looking at the history of ideas around Freedom.

A new history of ideas presented by Melvyn Bragg but told in many voices. Melvyn is joined by four guests with different backgrounds to discuss a really big question. This week he's asking what does it mean to be Free? Helping him answer it are philosopher Angie Hobbs, criminal barrister Harry Potter, neuropsychologist Paul Broks and theologian Giles Fraser. For the rest of the week Angie, Giles, Harry and Paul take us further into the history of ideas with programmes of their own. Between them they'll talk about Isaiah Berlin's distinction between positive and negative freedom, JS Mill's thoughts on individual liberty and the state; what neuroscience has to say about the age-old philosophical debate about free will and whether freedom is overrated as a political, moral and psychological concept.

Professor Angie Hobbs is Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield. She created the UK's first Senior Fellow in the Public Understanding of Philosophy in 2009 and is the Honorary Patron of The Philosophy Foundation.

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs introduces the Pre-Socratics.

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses the theme of language in Heraclitus' works, one of the most eminent Pre-Socratic philosophers.

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses the theme of flux in Heraclitus' works, one of the most eminent Pre-Socratic philosophers.

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses the theme of relativism in Heraclitus' works, one of the most eminent Pre-Socratic philosophers.

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs introduces Heraclitus, one of the most eminent Pre-Socratic philosophers.

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs will examine the relevance of the Pre-Socratics to the contemporary study of philosophy.

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs examines how the Pre-Socratics should be examined and interpreted.

Pre-Socratic philosophy is the study of Ancient Greek philosophy before the life of Socrates, the classical philosopher. In this video, Professor Angie Hobbs discusses the theme of fire in Heraclitus' works, one of the most eminent Pre-Socratic philosophers.

Anita Anand and JP Devlin with philosopher Angie Hobbs, poet Murray Lachlan Young, 11 year old popster Fynnjan Leach-Verhoeven and his mum Su, Saturday Live listener Ted Chance who made it into the Culture Club Christmas video in 1983, international football coach Paul Watson, 4th generation Salvation Army member Janet Martin, Andy Miller who's just finished a song he started 35 years ago, and the Inheritance Tracks of Boycie from Only Fools and Horses.Producer Dixi Stewart.

Angie Hobbs is no ordinary philosopher. Her job takes her to places as varied as cathedrals, airforce bases and merchant banks, as well as frequently to our radio and TV screens. As our first ever Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy, based at Sheffield University, she's determined to ensure that philosophy doesn't remain exclusively in the hands of academics - she wants it to inspire us all to explore the big questions in our lives. Angie talks to Michael Berkeley about music in Greek philosophy, and about music as solace, as well as a celebration of life and the memory of people and places she has loved. Her choices include a Beethoven movement she considers to be the most beautiful music ever written, a Latin carol and an unusual arrangement of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, as well as music by Bach, Vaughan Williams and Emmylou Harris. Producer: Jane Greenwood A Loftus production for BBC Radio 3.

Anne McElvoy discusses ethics and the law after several politicians have complained recently about tax avoidance by big companies. To discuss are Geoffrey Robertson QC, Mark Littlewood and Angie Hobbs. Australian writer Andrew Upton talks about his sometimes controversial adaptations of classic Russian plays and explains to Anne why he inserted an egg fight into his recent production of Maxim Gorky's Children of the Sun. And writer Philip Hoare explores his fascination and fear of the sea when he talks to Anne about his new book; "The Sea Inside".

Angie Hobbs, David Sedley and James Warren join Melvyn Bragg to discuss Epicureanism, the system of philosophy based on the teachings of Epicurus and founded in Athens in the fourth century BC. Epicurus outlined a comprehensive philosophical system based on the idea that everything in the Universe is constructed from two phenomena: atoms and void. At the centre of his philosophy is the idea that the goal of human life is pleasure, by which he meant not luxury but the avoidance of pain. His followers were suspicious of marriage and politics but placed great emphasis on friendship. Epicureanism became influential in the Roman world, particularly through Lucretius's great poem De Rerum Natura, which was rediscovered and widely admired in the Renaissance.With:Angie Hobbs Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of SheffieldDavid Sedley Laurence Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the University of CambridgeJames Warren Reader in Ancient Philosophy at the University of CambridgeProducer: Thomas Morris.

Angie Hobbs, David Sedley and James Warren join Melvyn Bragg to discuss Epicureanism, the system of philosophy based on the teachings of Epicurus and founded in Athens in the fourth century BC. Epicurus outlined a comprehensive philosophical system based on the idea that everything in the Universe is constructed from two phenomena: atoms and void. At the centre of his philosophy is the idea that the goal of human life is pleasure, by which he meant not luxury but the avoidance of pain. His followers were suspicious of marriage and politics but placed great emphasis on friendship. Epicureanism became influential in the Roman world, particularly through Lucretius's great poem De Rerum Natura, which was rediscovered and widely admired in the Renaissance. With: Angie Hobbs Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield David Sedley Laurence Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the University of Cambridge James Warren Reader in Ancient Philosophy at the University of Cambridge Producer: Thomas Morris.

Andrew Marr talks to the former British ambassador, Sherard Cowper-Coles, about the failures of Western policy in Afghanistan, and how diplomacy would have been a better option than the gun. In 2003 Baha Mousa was arrested by the British Army in Basra, in Iraq. Two days later he was dead. Richard Norton-Taylor sifts through all the evidence to bring the public inquiry into his death to the stage. David Pryce-Jones asks what motivates those who take up foreign causes, to the detriment of their own country, in Treason of the Heart. And the philosopher Angie Hobbs turns to the Greek Gods to untangle modern ideas of heroism and bravery.Producer: Katy Hickman.

Melvyn Bragg and guests Paul Cartledge, Edith Hall and Angie Hobbs discuss Sparta, the militaristic Ancient Greek city-state, and the political ideas it spawned.The isolated Ancient Greek city-state of Sparta was a ferocious opposite to the cosmopolitan port of Athens. Spartans were hostile to outsiders and rhetoric, to philosophy and change. Two and a half thousand years on, Sparta remains famous for its brutally rigorous culture of military discipline, as inculcated in its young men through communal living, and terrifying, licensed violence towards the Helots, the city-state's subjugated majority. Sparta and its cruelty was used as an argument against slavery by British Abolitionists in the early 1800s, before inspiring the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s.Yet Sparta also produced poets of great skill: Tyrteaus wrote marching songs for the young men; Alcman wrote choral lyrics for the young women. Moreover, the city-state's rulers pioneered a radically egalitarian political system, and its ideals were invoked by Plato. Its inhabitants also prided themselves on their wit: we don't only derive the word 'spartan' from their culture, but the word 'laconic'. Paul Cartledge is AG Leventis Professor of Greek Culture and a Fellow of Clare College, University of Cambridge; Edith Hall is Professor of Classics and Drama at Royal Holloway, University of London; Angie Hobbs is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Senior Fellow in the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Warwick.

Melvyn Bragg and guests Paul Cartledge, Edith Hall and Angie Hobbs discuss Sparta, the militaristic Ancient Greek city-state, and the political ideas it spawned.The isolated Ancient Greek city-state of Sparta was a ferocious opposite to the cosmopolitan port of Athens. Spartans were hostile to outsiders and rhetoric, to philosophy and change. Two and a half thousand years on, Sparta remains famous for its brutally rigorous culture of military discipline, as inculcated in its young men through communal living, and terrifying, licensed violence towards the Helots, the city-state's subjugated majority. Sparta and its cruelty was used as an argument against slavery by British Abolitionists in the early 1800s, before inspiring the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s.Yet Sparta also produced poets of great skill: Tyrteaus wrote marching songs for the young men; Alcman wrote choral lyrics for the young women. Moreover, the city-state's rulers pioneered a radically egalitarian political system, and its ideals were invoked by Plato. Its inhabitants also prided themselves on their wit: we don't only derive the word 'spartan' from their culture, but the word 'laconic'. Paul Cartledge is AG Leventis Professor of Greek Culture and a Fellow of Clare College, University of Cambridge; Edith Hall is Professor of Classics and Drama at Royal Holloway, University of London; Angie Hobbs is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Senior Fellow in the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Warwick.

What causes human agression? For Plato's Socrates it comes from innate tendencies nurtured in the wrong way. And that's where war comes from. Angie Hobbs gives a fascinating introduction to this aspect of Plato's Republic in this episode of Philosophy Bites.

Plato's Symposium is the most famous philosophical discussion of love, its joys, risks and pleasures. In this episode of Philosophy Bites Angie Hobbs gives a lively account of what Plato thought about erotic love.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history and philosophy of warfare. The British historian Edward Gibbon wrote: “Every age, however destitute of science or virtue, sufficiently abounds with acts of blood and military renown.” War, it seems, is one of mankind's most constant companions, one that has blighted the lives and troubled the minds of men and women from antiquity onwards. Plato envisaged a society without war, but found it had no arts, no culture and no political system. In our own time the United Nations struggles but often fails to prevent the outbreak of conflict. But how has war been understood throughout the ages? Who has it served and how has it been justified? Is war inherent to human beings or could society be organised to the exclusion of all conflict?With Sir Michael Howard, Emeritus Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford; Angie Hobbs, Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Warwick; Jeremy Black, Professor of History at the University of Exeter.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history and philosophy of warfare. The British historian Edward Gibbon wrote: “Every age, however destitute of science or virtue, sufficiently abounds with acts of blood and military renown.” War, it seems, is one of mankind’s most constant companions, one that has blighted the lives and troubled the minds of men and women from antiquity onwards. Plato envisaged a society without war, but found it had no arts, no culture and no political system. In our own time the United Nations struggles but often fails to prevent the outbreak of conflict. But how has war been understood throughout the ages? Who has it served and how has it been justified? Is war inherent to human beings or could society be organised to the exclusion of all conflict?With Sir Michael Howard, Emeritus Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford; Angie Hobbs, Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Warwick; Jeremy Black, Professor of History at the University of Exeter.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history and philosophy of warfare. The British historian Edward Gibbon wrote: “Every age, however destitute of science or virtue, sufficiently abounds with acts of blood and military renown.” War, it seems, is one of mankind’s most constant companions, one that has blighted the lives and troubled the minds of men and women from antiquity onwards. Plato envisaged a society without war, but found it had no arts, no culture and no political system. In our own time the United Nations struggles but often fails to prevent the outbreak of conflict. But how has war been understood throughout the ages? Who has it served and how has it been justified? Is war inherent to human beings or could society be organised to the exclusion of all conflict?With Sir Michael Howard, Emeritus Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford; Angie Hobbs, Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Warwick; Jeremy Black, Professor of History at the University of Exeter.