Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Ancient Philosophy Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 days ago44 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
- 6 days ago55 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 the 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
- 1 weeks ago43 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
- 2 weeks ago29 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
- 3 weeks ago44 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
- Jun 29, 202638 min
34. Xunzi on Human Nature
In this episode, I discuss the arguments, given by Xunzi, an ancient Confucian philosopher, that human nature is evil. 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
- Jun 22, 202655 min
33. The Future of Ancient Science
In this episode, I discuss and reflect on G.E.R. Lloyd's "Does Ancient Science Have a Future?" that was published in the Proceedings of the Cambridge Philological Society and was, I believe, a speech that he gave at Cambridge before that. 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
- Jun 15, 20261h 4m
32. Stylometry and the Chronology of Plato's Dialogues
In this episode, I discuss how scholars have used stylometry to date the composition of Plato's dialogues. I introduce and explain basic stylometric methods as well as their application in the case of Plato's dialogues in particular. 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
About The Ancient Philosophy Podcast
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.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The Ancient Philosophy Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Ancient Philosophy Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Ancient Philosophy Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Ancient Philosophy Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Ancient Philosophy Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Doug Campbell.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The Ancient Philosophy Podcast release new episodes?
The Ancient Philosophy Podcast publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Ancient Philosophy Podcast cover?
The Ancient Philosophy Podcast covers topics including Philosophy, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The Ancient Philosophy Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.