The experience of self in Plato’s Phaedrus

Exploring the nature of the human self in Plato's Phaedrus

What is a human being?

To understand the nature of anything there are some basic questions which should be explored:

What are its causes? What is its history? What drives its activities? What potential does it possess? What is its ultimate goal?

So the opening line of Plato’s Phaedrus, “Where are you going, my dear Phaedrus, and from whence came you?” is a strong hint that the dialogue is going to offer the reader a chance to examine some fundamental issues of selfhood. And so it turns out: its sixty or so pages not only present us with the widest possible frame in which to view our human nature and experience, but it is packed with extraordinary subtle insights. We will read some extracts from the dialogue and explore some of these fundamental questions.

No previous experience of formal philosophy is required.

Entrance in free, but donations between £2-4 will be welcomed.

A PDF download of the extract we will be reading is available on our website together with further details of this and other Prometheus Trust's activities: www.prometheustrust.co.uk (the PDF is on the "London Monday Evenings" page.)

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