This podcast interviews Giovanni Ferrari, a Plato scholar, to explore Plato's views on love and sex, particularly as presented in *Phaedrus*. The discussion analyzes contrasting arguments for and against passionate love versus casual sex, using the metaphor of a charioteer (reason) and two horses (honor and appetite) to illustrate the complexities of desire and self-control. Ferrari initially equates the highest form of life with philosophical love devoid of sexual consummation, but later revises this stance, emphasizing the philosophical life's inherent value regardless of romantic relationships. A key takeaway is the concept of "divine madness," where reason is overtaken by a higher pursuit of beauty, leading to a more fulfilling life. The podcast concludes by examining Plato's views on rhetoric and writing, highlighting the importance of living philosophical discourse over mere academic pursuits.
