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Plato: Lysis. Symposium. Gorgias. (Loeb Classical Library No. 166) by Plato (1925) Hardcover
Hardcover
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Plato
5,743 books9,099 followersPlato (Greek: Πλάτων), born Aristocles (c. 427 – 348 BC), was an ancient Greek philosopher of the Classical period who is considered a foundational thinker in Western philosophy and an innovator of the written dialogue and dialectic forms. He raised problems for what became all the major areas of both theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy, and was the founder of the Platonic Academy, a philosophical school in Athens where Plato taught the doctrines that would later become known as Platonism.
Plato's most famous contribution is the theory of forms (or ideas), which has been interpreted as advancing a solution to what is now known as the problem of universals. He was decisively influenced by the pre-Socratic thinkers Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, although much of what is known about them is derived from Plato himself.
Along with his teacher Socrates, and Aristotle, his student, Plato is a central figure in the history of philosophy. Plato's entire body of work is believed to have survived intact for over 2,400 years—unlike that of nearly all of his contemporaries. Although their popularity has fluctuated, they have consistently been read and studied through the ages. Through Neoplatonism, he also greatly influenced both Christian and Islamic philosophy. In modern times, Alfred North Whitehead famously said: "the safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato."
Plato's most famous contribution is the theory of forms (or ideas), which has been interpreted as advancing a solution to what is now known as the problem of universals. He was decisively influenced by the pre-Socratic thinkers Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, although much of what is known about them is derived from Plato himself.
Along with his teacher Socrates, and Aristotle, his student, Plato is a central figure in the history of philosophy. Plato's entire body of work is believed to have survived intact for over 2,400 years—unlike that of nearly all of his contemporaries. Although their popularity has fluctuated, they have consistently been read and studied through the ages. Through Neoplatonism, he also greatly influenced both Christian and Islamic philosophy. In modern times, Alfred North Whitehead famously said: "the safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato."
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
July 8, 2025
The Gorgias is a life changing dialogue. Is it laughable and weak to be just, fair and moderate? Or is the good person ultimately better off?
At 493a-494a Socrates tells a parable that I found especially relevant. Our lives, he says, are like jars. The jars have milk, oil, wine, the necessities. The person who tries to be fair, just and moderate fills his jars and is content. The licentious person is always out for more, always trying to cheat the other person or be the strongest. The jars have holes in them. He lives for the inflow, the excitement, the thrill of getting the best over the other guy.
It's not obvious which is the better option.
At 493a-494a Socrates tells a parable that I found especially relevant. Our lives, he says, are like jars. The jars have milk, oil, wine, the necessities. The person who tries to be fair, just and moderate fills his jars and is content. The licentious person is always out for more, always trying to cheat the other person or be the strongest. The jars have holes in them. He lives for the inflow, the excitement, the thrill of getting the best over the other guy.
It's not obvious which is the better option.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review