Thesis Theater: J. Michael Southards, "Sophistic Critique into the Lewis-Plato Conversation"

What this episode covers

This recording from May 13, 2026. Signum University presents Thesis Theater with J. Michael Southards, "It's All in Plato: Bringing the Sophistic Critique into the Lewis-Plato Conversation." The scholarly conversation surrounding the relationship between C.S. Lewis and Plato is robust but does not yet include Plato’s critique of the sophists. By conducting a series of close readings on Plato, the sophists, and Lewis’s Abolition of Man, Last Battle, and Silver Chair, this paper concludes that Lewis’s argument against subjectivism in Abolition reflects a distinctly Platonic stance, and that his depiction of Shift the Ape and the Green Witch mirrors both Plato’s critique of the sophists and Lewis’s own critique of subjectivism. This paper concludes that Plato’s sophistic critique should be brought into the scholarly Lewis-Plato conversation. About the Presenter: During his time at Signum, J. Michael Southards (BA, Patrick Henry College) has concentrated in Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance literature as well as in Germanic Philology. He teaches upper school humanities at Dominion Christian School, where he loves helping students see and appreciate a holistic picture of the world. In his spare time, he enjoys reading history, philosophy, theology, and law; he also loves nature walks and sport climbing. He is excited to share his research on Plato and C.S. Lewis in his [upcoming] thesis theater. About Signum Thesis Theaters: Each of our master’s students writes a thesis at the end of their degree program, exploring a topic of their choice. The Thesis Theater is their opportunity to present their research to a general audience, and answer questions. All are welcome to attend! Learn about Signum University’s mission, leadership and more: https://signumuniversity.org/about/ To learn more about Signum's rigorous academic graduate program: https://signumuniversity.org/degree-programs/graduate/ma-in-language-and-literature/ Want to enjoy Signum’s educational offerings? Start here! https://signumuniversity.org/non-degree-programs/Support The Signum Scene