The Ancient Philosophy Podcast

Doug Campbell

The Ancient Philosophy Podcast explores important topics in ancient philosophy, whether that's in India, China, Greece, Rome, the Near East, or beyond.

Hosted by Doug Campbell, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College in Michigan.

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28 episodes
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Avg 52 min
English

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#58
Yesterday · 47 min
54. Why Plato Believed in Reincarnation
On November 7, 2026, I gave this free lecture here on Substack. It was entitled “Why Plato Believed in Reincarnation.” I explained the intellectual commitments that led Plato to believe in reincarnation. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College in Michigan. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase: An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#53
November 2 · 43 min
53. The Mohist Doctrine of Inclusive Care
In this episode, I discuss inclusive care, a famous doctrine held by the Mohists, and its opposition to some major ideas in Confucianism. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College in Michigan. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase: An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#52
October 26 · 45 min
52. The Basics of Cynicism
In this episode, I discuss the basics of Cynicism, an ancient philosophical school or way of life. I provide an overview of the views and central figures, especially Antisthenes and Diogenes. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College in Michigan. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase: An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#51
October 19 · 31 min
51. Xenophanes' Criticism of Religious Myths
In this episode, I discuss Xenophanes, an early Greek philosopher, and his criticisms of traditional religious myths about the gods. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College in Michigan. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase: An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#50
October 12 · 13 min
50. The Pythagorean Music of the Spheres
In this episode, I discuss the famous Pythagorean doctrine of the music of the heavenly spheres: what our source is for this doctrine, what the view is, and why Aristotle disagreed with it. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College in Michigan. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase: An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#49
October 5 · 48 min
49. Did Plato Write a Proto-Republic?
In this episode, I consider whether Plato wrote an earlier version of his masterpiece, the Republic, which is sometimes called the Ideal City or the Proto-Republic. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College in Michigan. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase: An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#48
September 28 · 1 hr 35 min
48. Ermioni Prokopaki: Knowledge and Perception in Plato's Theaetetus
In this episode, I speak with Ermioni Prokopaki about Plato's Theaetetus. We discuss the central problem that animates the dialogue as well as how it fits into Plato's overall philosophy, but the largest part of our interview, just like the largest part of the Theaetetus, is concerned with whether knowledge is perception. Host: Doug Campbell, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. Interviewee: Ermioni Prokpaki, who completed her PhD in 2023 at the University of Chicago. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase: An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#47
September 21 · 52 min
47. Aristotle on Sexual Difference in Biology and Politics
In this episode, I discuss and reflect on Marguerite Deslauriers’ article, "Sexual Difference in Aristotle’s Politics and His Biology," which was published in Classical World in 2009. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College in Michigan. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase: An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#46
September 14 · 1 hr 1 min
46. Justin Vlasits: Aristotle's Criticisms of Plato's Theory of Forms
In this episode, I speak with Justin Vlasits about Aristotle's criticisms of Plato's theory of Forms. We begin with a brief summary of Plato's theory of Forms for those who might benefit from an introduction to it. Host: Doug Campbell, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. Interviewee: Justin Vlasits, an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Illinois, Chicago. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase: An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#45
September 7 · 48 min
45. Han Feizi and the Basics of Legalism
In this episode, I discuss the basics of legalism, from ancient China, with particular attention paid to the Han Feizi. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#44
August 31 · 1 hr 19 min
44. Plato's Lecture on the Good
In this episode, I discuss Plato's famous lecture on the Good. Much of the discussion here is a reflection on Konrad Gaiser's article, "Plato's Enigmatic Lecture on the Good," which was published in Phronesis in 1980. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#43
August 24 · 49 min
43. The Sisyphus Fragment
In this episode, I discuss the so-called Sisyphus fragment, which contains a rare bit of atheistic philosophy from the fifth century BCE. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#42
August 17 · 34 min
42. Did Aristotle Believe in the Wandering Womb?
In this episode, I discuss whether Aristotle believed in the wandering womb. The answer is 'yes, he did', but his view of the wandering womb is different from, say, Plato's, as I talk about in the episode. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#41
August 10 · 1 hr 33 min
41. Rachel O'Keefe: Plotinus on Beauty
In this episode, I speak with Rachel O'Keefe about Plotinus' thoughts on beauty. We focus on the arguments and ideas from Enneads I.6. Note: if you are looking for an introduction to who Plotinus was, his Enneads, and his metaphysical system, check out episode 3 of this podcast for an interview with Rachel in which we dive into these topics. Host: Doug Campbell, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. Interviewee: Rachel O'Keefe, who teaches and works at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. There is a YouTube channel available with video episodes. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#40
August 3 · 22 min
40. Why Plato Thought that the Whole World Had a Soul
In this episode, I discuss Plato's view that the world had a soul. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#39
July 27 · 44 min
39. Aristotle on Human Nature
In this episode, I discuss Aristotle's view, developed in the Nicomachean Ethics, that human nature is neither good nor bad. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#38
July 24 · 55 min
38. Plato's Theory of the Divided Soul
On July 19, 2026, I gave a free lecture on Substack. It was entitled “The divided soul: Plato’s theory that the soul has parts.” This podcast episode is an audio recording of the lecture. I apologize for the worse-than-usual audio quality and editing. The lecture has these parts: A general discussion of the soul in ancient Greek philosophy. The so-called principle of opposites, which lies at the heart of Plato’s argument for the view that the soul has parts. The argument that the soul has parts, and a discussion of what these parts are. Plato’s definitions of justice and moderation as examples of how he applies this theory. A brief discussion of the soul-state analogy. Are all the parts of the soul immortal? The legacy of Plato's theory that the soul has parts. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#37
July 20 · 43 min
37. Heraclitus and the Unity of Opposites
In this episode, I discuss Heraclitus' doctrine that scholars call "the unity of opposites." I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#36
July 13 · 29 min
36. Why Democritus Believed in the Void
In this episode, I discuss what Democritus thought the void was and why he thought that it existed. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1
#35
July 6 · 44 min
35. Galen on the Parts of the Soul
In this episode, I discuss Galen's views on the parts of the soul: what are these parts, and how do they relate to the body? I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College. You can subscribe to The Ancient Philosophy Podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.), as well as on YouTube. I have a Substack: platosfishtrap.substack.com. You can show your support at: https://buymeacoffee.com/ancientphilosophy I also have a book available for purchase, An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Ethics-Social-Media/dp/1647922356/ref=sr_1_1?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-1

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