Selections

by Plato (Creator)

"Selections" provides a curated introduction to the foundational writings of Plato, one of the most influential figures in the history of Western philosophy. This collection brings together essential dialogues and passages that explore the core tenets of Platonism, including profound inquiries into justice, virtue, the nature of the soul, and the structure of the ideal state. From the probing dialectic method associated with Socrates to the allegorical depths found in "The Republic," these excerpts capture the breadth of Plato's investigation into the human condition and the metaphysical reality of the world.

Readers will engage with the origins of Western ethical and political thought, tracing the development of landmark concepts such as the Theory of Forms and the education of the citizen. By distilling the most significant moments from Plato's extensive body of work, this volume serves as a comprehensive gateway for students, scholars, and general readers seeking to understand the intellectual heritage of Ancient Greece. Through "Selections," the enduring power of Plato's philosophical vision remains accessible, offering timeless insights into the pursuit of truth and the good life.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

504 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1927

About the author

Plato (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."