Episode 32: The Future of Classics

In this episode, we discuss the work of Domincan-born philosopher Dan-el Padilla Peralta, currently Associate Professor of Classics at Princeton University. "Classics" is the study of ancient Greece and Rome, including their languages and philosophy. Peralta argues that the future of classics is in jeopardy, because these ancient societies fully embraced slavery. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle argued that slavery and racial supremacy are morally acceptable because they are part of the "natural order." Pro-slavery politicians like Thomas Jefferson appealed to these arguments in the United States, and these arguments remain popular with white supremacists to this day. What will happen to Classics? Send your answers to [email protected]!