Classical Stuff You Should Know

They continue a tour of logical fallacies, focusing on ambiguity and formal errors. Topics include equivocation, amphiboly, and how emphasis changes meaning. They cover loaded questions, No True Scotsman moves, circular reasoning, and post hoc versus correlation errors. Also discussed: false dilemmas, slippery slopes, hasty generalizations, and when to call out fallacies politely.

A lively tour of common logical fallacies, focused on distractions that derail arguments. They cover ad hominem attacks, tu quoque, transfer and appeal to irrelevant authority. Expect explanations of bandwagon, appeal to pity, red herrings, straw men, appeal to ignorance, and chronological snobbery. The hosts tie these errors to politics, media, and teaching critical thinking.

A lively debate about what counts as classical literature and why the label matters. They walk through criteria like artistry, cultural significance, and the test of time. The Great Books project and Mortimer Adler’s standards get examined. Teaching strategies, curriculum choices, and how older works reshape modern perspectives are also discussed.

A lively exploration of Aristotle's three appeals: trustworthiness, logic, and emotion. Clear techniques for building credibility and avoiding logical fallacies. Fun breakdowns of syllogisms, common topics for argument, and balancing appeals in speech. A theatrical look at emotional persuasion using Mark Antony's funeral oration.

A wild tour through a cursed royal family filled with murder, betrayal, and grisly revenge. Stories include a father serving his son to the gods, a sabotaged chariot race, and a gruesome banquet of retribution. Themes of incest, exile, sacrificial duty, and a tormented avenger culminate in a bloody trial and a mythic attempt at justice.

A tour of medieval cosmology and how earlier worldviews shape reading of ancient texts. The episode traces Mesopotamian and Greek flat-disk models into the Ptolemaic spherical system and the layered medieval cosmos. It explores the primum mobile, planetary order, music of the spheres, angelic inhabitants and how planets were thought to influence metals, health and temperament.

The hosts dive into the intriguing world of metaphors, breaking down their essential components, including tenor, vehicle, and turn. They analyze the metaphor 'AJ is a lion' to uncover deep cultural meanings. A fascinating comparison between metaphors and allegories highlights their differences through classic literature. The discussion also explores poignant metaphors in Romeo and Juliet and their ironic implications. Additionally, they examine biblical metaphors that convey profound truths and reflect on the symbolic significance of historical events.

The discussion kicks off with a light-hearted take on summer celebrations, highlighting the contrasts between the 4th of July and Canada Day. The speakers dive into Achilles' emotional turmoil in the Iliad, focusing on themes of honor, glory, and the aftermath of Patroclus' death. They ponder the choice between seeking fame and finding peace in anonymity, drawing on rich historical contexts. This engaging dialogue blends serious reflections with personal anecdotes, making ancient narratives accessible and relatable.

In this podcast, we discuss the ancient division between the two types of reason. Put simply, Intellectus refers to natural understanding or meditation, and Ratio refers to the working faculty of reason.

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