PlatoPlato (c.428-347 BCE) stands at the beginning of many debates that have continued throughout the history of philosophy. His literary career spanned fifty years and the influence of his ideas and those of his followers pervaded philosophy throughout antiquity. Andrew Mason's lucid and engaging introduction, draws on recent scholarship to offer a fresh general survey of Plato's philosophy. Aware of the methodological challenges that confront any writer on Plato, Mason handles the issue of Plato's intellectual development and relationship with Socrates with an assured grasp. Thematically structured, the book begins with Plato's principal contribution to metaphysics, the 'Theory of Forms', which forms a necessary background to his thought in many areas. His theory of knowledge, which is intimately linked with the Forms is explored in detail along with Plato's views of the soul, an important theme in itself and an entry point to discussion of his ethics, one of Plato's major concerns. Finally, the book deals with two areas of Plato's thought which have had an especially important historical impact, not confined to academic philosophy: his theory of God and nature, and his aesthetics. Throughout, Mason highlights the continuing themes in Plato's work and how they develop from one dialogue to another. |
Contents
Platos development and Platos Socrates | 15 |
the theory of Forms | 27 |
Knowledge | 61 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
achieve actually Adeimantus akrasia ancient Greece appetite argument Aristotle aspect beauty body Book Cambridge University Press cave central Charmides chief speaker clear clearly concept contrast Critias Crito definition discussion distinctive elements enquiry ethical Euthyphro exist explain fact fall short G. E. L. Owen give Glaucon Gorgias Greek happiness human idea ideal imitation important includes instance justice kind knowledge of Forms later Laws living look material mean metaphysical motion motivated move nature necessity objects Oxford Parmenides particular passage person Phaedo Phaedrus Philebus philosophical Plato Plato's thought Plato's view poetry poets possible predication problem produce properties Protagoras rational reason recollection relation relevant Republic Resp rulers seems seen sense sensible things sensible world simply Socrates says Socratic dialogues Sophist soul Statesman suggest Symposium Theaetetus theory of Forms third man argument Timaeus tion trans true belief truth virtue virtuous Vlastos wisdom