Two philosophers talk about their work in separate conversations. In the first, Montgomery Furth discusses his forthcoming study of the pre-Socratics, whose philosophies helped give rise to the thinking of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
In the second segment [14:25], Edward McClennen discusses his study of rational self-interest, or the concept of human reason in the service of the emotions.
At the time of these interviews, Furth, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1986-87), was professor of philosophy at the University of California, Los Angeles.
McClennen, also a Fellow at the Center (1986-87), was professor of philosophy at Washington University.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
