Ep 1. Socrates

Genius of the Ancient World season 1 episode 1, named Socrates is a fascinating look at the life and works of one of the towering figures of Western philosophy. In this episode, the renowned historian Bettany Hughes takes us on a journey to ancient Greece to explore the life of Socrates, an enigmatic figure who left no written works of his own, but who had a profound impact on the intellectual and social landscape of his time.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the historical and cultural background of ancient Greece, setting the scene for the emergence of Socrates as a thinker and philosopher. We learn about the political context of ancient Athens, the city-state in which Socrates lived, and the intellectual traditions that he inherited and challenged through his work.

Hughes then takes us on a tour of the ancient city of Athens, highlighting the various locations and landmarks that were closely associated with Socrates's life and work. We visit the agora, the public square where Socrates engaged in his famous dialogues with the citizens of Athens, and the Acropolis, the hilltop where the Parthenon and other great monuments of ancient Greece were erected.

Moving beyond the physical landscape, Hughes goes on to explore the intellectual and philosophical influences that shaped Socrates's thought. She delves into the works of the pre-Socratic philosophers, such as Pythagoras and Heraclitus, who laid the groundwork for Socrates's investigations into the nature of reality and knowledge. Hughes also discusses the influence of the Sophists, rival thinkers who were popular in Athens at the time, and who challenged Socrates's ideas in various ways.

Throughout the episode, Hughes travels to various sites around Greece to help us understand the context and impact of Socrates's work. We visit the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the center of a famous oracle that was believed to provide guidance for all of Greece. Hughes argues that Socrates's famous declaration that he knew nothing was rooted in his belief that true wisdom could only be found by questioning one's assumptions and seeking knowledge from a higher power.

Hughes also takes us to the island of Lesbos, where Socrates met with the poetess Diotima, who was said to have taught him the mysteries of love and desire. Hughes argues that Socrates's ideas about love and beauty were deeply influenced by his encounters with Diotima, and that his famous dialogue with the young Alcibiades, in which he extols the virtues of self-knowledge and ethical behavior, was a direct response to the corrupting influences of Athenian politics and culture.

The episode concludes with a reflection on Socrates's ultimate fate. We learn about his trial and condemnation for impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens, and the circumstances of his death by drinking hemlock. Hughes argues that Socrates's refusal to flee Athens or submit to the laws of the city was rooted in his belief in a higher law, a universal justice that transcended the immediate concerns of human institutions. Socrates's courage and commitment to his principles, she suggests, has inspired generations of thinkers and activists down through the ages.

Overall, Genius of the Ancient World season 1 episode 1 is a rich and engaging introduction to the life and works of Socrates, one of the most influential thinkers in Western history. Hughes's insights and observations are grounded in solid scholarship and delivered with energy and enthusiasm, making this episode an accessible and enjoyable experience for viewers of all backgrounds and interests.