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

[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.

[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……