Why Plato Matters Now

by Angie Hobbs

Professor Angie Hobbs proves in this persuasive and intelligent book that Plato is more relevant than ever.

Does Plato matter? An ancient philosopher whose work has inspired and informed countless thinkers and poets across the centuries, his ideas are no longer taught as widely as they once were. But, as Angie Hobbs argues in this clear-sighted book, that is a mistake.

If we want to understand the world we live in – from democracy, autocracy and fake news to celebrity, cancel culture and what money can and cannot do – there is no better place to start than Plato. Exploring the intersection between the ancient and the modern, Professor Hobbs shows how Plato can help us address key questions concerning the nature of a flourishing life and community, healthcare, love and friendship, heroism, reality, art and myth-making. She also shows us how Plato's adaptation of the Socratic method and dialogue form can enable us to deal with contested issues more constructively.

Plato's methodology, arguments, ideas and vivid images are explained with a clarity suitable both for readers familiar with his work and for those approaching Plato for the first time. This book shows why Plato really matters, now more than ever.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2025

Reviews

[Hayden Finkelshtain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hobbs states outright that she wants to remain true to Plato's texts, and thus she is vigilant in trying not to entertain her own biases in her commentary. She does this, largely, as a way to pay homage to Plato's obvious hope that people will use their own minds to interpret his works, and not just be spoonfed opinions. While I appreciate this attempt at neutrality, it unfortunately makes the book a bit dry. It is challenging to make a compelling case for Why Plato Matters Now, when interpretations and commentary are so moderate. The book has many interesting nuggets, and it does compel me read more Plato (which, I think, is a big part of what the author wants to accomplish), but, for a book with such an urgent title, there is very little urgency here.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book which brought Plato's writing into the context of life in the 2020s. Although very interesting, it does take some work to read making sure that the concepts are understood. This in itself is not a bad thing, I had to do a bit of reading around the topic to get the most out of Ms Hobbs book.

My biggest take away is the philosophical questions posed by Plato and Socrates are as valid today as they were 2000 years ago. How we answer them determines the kind of world that we live in.

[Riccardo Tedesco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of using Plato’s philosophy to frame contemporary questions, and the concept definitely works. That said, I found the balance a bit off. I would’ve liked more assessment and real application of Plato’s ideas to current topics, which often felt only scratched on the surface.

Overall though, it was a nice and pleasant read.

[Kate]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this thought-provoking book.
Why Plato Matters Now is a timely reminder that the wisdom of the ancient world still speaks powerfully to our modern struggles. The author draws meaningful connections between Plato’s ideas and the challenges of today—our questions about justice, truth, and what it means to live a good life. What stands out most is the way the book invites readers to slow down and truly think—to wrestle with the same moral and philosophical dilemmas that have shaped humanity for centuries.
There’s a comforting sense of continuity here: that across thousands of years, the human condition hasn’t changed as much as we think. If we’re willing to listen and apply the lessons, Plato’s insights can still guide us toward greater clarity, compassion, and understanding in an often chaotic world.

[Books Over People · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC. This is well researched and articulated. It is for a niche audience to be sure and I find myself to be a member of said niche audience. It is a book that shouldn’t really be real alone. I wonder how I will feel after I have the chance to speak to someone about it. I would recommend this for every introduction to ethics course.

[M J · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times heavy going but nevertheless beautiful written and structured. It certainly gives one food for thought and makes it clear that Plato really does still matter……

[Shaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Why Plato Matters Now is a non-fiction book discussing how the teachings of the Greek philosopher Plato matters even more now. The book, although quite dense, delves into topics such as the nature of debate itself, governance (or specifically, the ethos of those in power), learning, friendship and love, ideal societies, the concept of celebrity and honor, and censorship.

I myself am not well-read on academic philosophy. This book is my first introduction into the topic. The following review is effectively from a layman who decided to pick this book up out of interest for formal philosophy.

The topics discussed, although explained as acessibly as possible, were very hard to grasp especially due to its abstract nature with many callbacks to biases of the story presenter(s). I don’t deny that I had gone back a few pages to reread what I read because I just could not make heads or tails of what the paragraph was about. I stuck with it though, and it was not till around part-way through the book, after multiple breaks from its dense material did I start to see connections with the topics discussed and articles I saw online or current events I know.

The works of Plato, as I see it, has been the foundations of what is taught and what we see in society around us, and in stories in entertainment. Some of the ideas brought forward felt known and therefore underwhelming at first because they were so familiar (e.g. ‘Love is born out of mutual friendship’ /‘Love is biased’) but Hobbs brings forward how these ‘basics’ hold significance still and should be used to remind those of us that are distracted by the current age of information and screens.

For example, Plato highlights the need for educators to not just teach concepts to the youths but also to inspire curiosity and to facilitate engagement in order for students to be active participants in their learning. This, although already obvious to some, is an especially important reminder in the age of AI; increasingly people are taking a more passive approach to learning — opting for convenience rather than the friction required to process the information, connect ideas, analyse its implications and consequently obtain mastery (or become ‘educated in the matter’). The friction required would entail having the back and forth with fellow learners, guidance with a mentor, doing further research, synthesizing the information in our own ways and forming our own critical judgements based on our own values, experiences and bias. We often forget this also because weare so inundated with the demands of life that the easier way out becomes our default.

This is just one of many little ways Plato still matters especially today. Overall, I’d say this book could be seen as a self-help book for individuals interested in philosophy. On a large scale, informed audiences could also impact changes in society (i.e. democracy) inspired by Plato. There is a lot of unjust in the world currently and instead of worrying about the pedantic, Plato reminds us to look at the broad strokes and critically analyse the true root of the current issues of today.

The material is not for everyone. You’ll only draw significance from this if you already have an interest in philosophy (like above: learning can only be achieved through intrinsic motivation). But if you ARE interested, give this a go, take many breaks, and stick with it! Hobbs does a brilliant job at laying out the groundwork for you, the reader, to make your own critical judgements of Plato’s work without muddying it too much with her or Plato’s own biases.

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy going but an interesting read. Does not work all the way through the writings of Plato but gives an insight into the way in which contemporary problems might be more effectively addressed.

[Marina Furmanov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially when the world is slowly unraveling. Love his approach to thought, provoking conversation and energy, mental health, and space.