Talk or Fight: Agora and Agon as Political Metaphors

In this episode, I argue that a healthy polity is an equilibrium between the values of agora (conversation, dialogue, exchange) and the values of agon (warrior ethos, capacity to fight when needed). The absolutization of one of these values weakens the state and society. I also refer to classics of political philosophy and history, particularly the Greek historian Polybius and his account of the Roman Republic. My name is Volodymyr Yermolenko, I am a Ukrainian philosopher and book writer, president of PEN Ukraine, and chief editor of UkraineWorld. Despite the ongoing war, I live in Ukraine and often visit frontline areas to help soldiers and civilians. Support my work at https://www.patreon.com/c/thinkinggg