Great Books #4: The Conscious Universe

The lecture concludes the analysis of the Iliad by exploring the complex motivations of Achilles and Priam through the lens of Kantian and Hegelian philosophy. It posits that humans operate on conscious, subconscious, and strategic levels, mirroring Freud's concepts of id, ego, and superego. The discussion uses the Shield of Achilles as a metaphor for the universe within us, composed of dynamic memories and experiences. It suggests that love and imagination are unifying and animating forces, enabling access to a conscious universe. The lecture interprets the meeting between Priam and Achilles as a literal event orchestrated by the "gods," representing a universal agreement to reconcile their differences, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness and empathy.