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Ancient and modern

For a true moral lesson, Rugby School, get your pupils drunk

Wine with meals is something they might have at home. Getting smashed, on the other hand, is part of a classical education

9 January 2016

9:00 AM

9 January 2016

9:00 AM

Rugby and Ampleforth schools have decided to give their charges experience of sensible drinking by introducing a little alcohol, under close staff supervision, at dinner. But, as Plato realised, what they actually need is experience of senseless drinking.

Plato’s last work, Laws (c. 350 bc), depicts a new utopia, quite unlike that of the Republic with its philosopher-kings.

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