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Apology / Crito / Phaedo / Symposium / Republic
The Dialogues of Plato offer a philosophy that has guided man through the ages. In his magnificent writings Plato exaines our virtues and vices, our problems and questions. With remarkable literary grace he show us how man can understand his place in the world and live an intelligent and happy life.
The dialogues chosen for this edition are the best-known of Plato's writings and also the most influential. They are valuable both as literature and as the major statements of his philosphy. The Apology, Crito, and Phaedo, forming a trilogy about the imprisonment and death of Socrates, present an impressive and draatic defence of the philosphical life. The occasion for the Syposium is a festive banquet, and the discussion, alternately earthy and sublime, is concerned with the nature of love. The Republic, a product of Plato's most comprehensive vision, deals with man both as a social creature and as as a participant in eternity. From the Introduction.
The dialogues chosen for this edition are the best-known of Plato's writings and also the most influential. They are valuable both as literature and as the major statements of his philosphy. The Apology, Crito, and Phaedo, forming a trilogy about the imprisonment and death of Socrates, present an impressive and draatic defence of the philosphical life. The occasion for the Syposium is a festive banquet, and the discussion, alternately earthy and sublime, is concerned with the nature of love. The Republic, a product of Plato's most comprehensive vision, deals with man both as a social creature and as as a participant in eternity. From the Introduction.
Mass Market Paperback
Published January 1, 1951
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Plato
5,204 books8,602 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
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March 9, 2024It takes a little something more than I have to give Plato a star rating.
Fascinating. Important.
I read through this edition until I got to The Republic and found out that it was abridged (because I was listening to an audiobook at the same time) and then went to the Penguin edition of The Republic on Kindle. That was an excellent choice.
I've heard many things about Plato bandied about for years and it was good to read so many of them in context (if in translation) and see them for myself. Not that I followed everything, but I'm glad to have had this foray into his writing and thought. Definitely recommend.
Fascinating. Important.
I read through this edition until I got to The Republic and found out that it was abridged (because I was listening to an audiobook at the same time) and then went to the Penguin edition of The Republic on Kindle. That was an excellent choice.
I've heard many things about Plato bandied about for years and it was good to read so many of them in context (if in translation) and see them for myself. Not that I followed everything, but I'm glad to have had this foray into his writing and thought. Definitely recommend.
November 10, 2020
I loved constantly getting whiplash from Plato proposing very interesting, progressive reforms in one sentence and inventing eugenics in the next
March 18, 2008
There is a doctrine whispered in secret that man is a prisoner who has no right to open the door and run away; this is a great mystery which I do not quite understand.
---Socrates
Dude, the Matrix is REAL.
---June
---Socrates
Dude, the Matrix is REAL.
---June
June 17, 2009
It is amazing to understand how inteligent many people were over two thousand years ago. What happened?
September 11, 2019
At risk of sounding pretentious, I feel like this is an essential read if you're interested in the origins of Western philosophy. I enjoyed the first 3 parts in particular: Socrates stuck to his guns.
December 12, 2014
Plato is essentially a practical philosopher rather than a visionary or aloof theorist. Even little that is known of his life indicates the variety of wordly experience and observation on which he based his mature thought. According to this book the attainment of the vision of reality is the purpose of philosopher and is the greatest happiness of man. That being said, this book contains Plato's most comprehensive vision. His dramatic genius finds its fullest expression in this book of his.
January 18, 2015
new review
May 15, 2015
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August 17, 2008
The Republic is unfortunately only in abbreviated form.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews