Plato a guide for the perplexed Gerald A. Press.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Press, Gerald A. (Gerald Alan), 1945- author.

Series:

Guides for the perplexed.

Guides for the perplexed

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Plato.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (249 p.)

Place of Publication:

London New York Continuum 2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

It is widely agreed that Plato laid the foundations for the whole history of western thought and, well over 2000 years later, his work is still studied by every student of philosophy. Yet his thought and writings continue to evoke perplexity in readers; and perplexity (aporia) is itself a characteristic of many of his writings, a recurrent motif of his thought, and apparently an important stage one must pass through along the path to wisdom that Plato presents. Plato: A Guide for the Perplexed is a clear and thorough account of Plato's philosophy, his major works and ideas, providing an ideal guide to the important and complex thought of this key philosopher. The book offers a detailed review of all the major dialogues and explores the particular perplexities of the dialogue form. Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of Plato's thought, the book also provides a cogent and reliable survey of the whole history of Platonic interpretation and his far-reaching influence. This is the ideal companion to the study of this most influential and challenging of philosophers.

Contents:

Plato's life and works

The contexts for interpreting Plato's Dialogues

Sources of perplexity : change

A brief history of platonism and Plato interpretation

Dialogue form

Arguments and ideas, vision and doctrines

Fables, myths, and stories

Irony and other forms of humour

Play and seriousness

Paradox

Plato's philosophy : permanence

Platonic anonymity and the nature of Plato's philosophy

Persistent themes and Plato's vision

The platonic path to wisdom

Help in reading and understanding Plato's Dialogues and his philosophy

How to read a platonic dialogue

Summaries of the Dialogues

Introduction

Part I. Backgrounds

1. Plato's Life and Works

2. The Contexts for Interpreting Plato's Dialogues

Part II. Sources of Perplexity: Change

3. A Brief History of Platonism and Plato Interpretation

4. Dialogue Form

5. Arguments and Ideas, Vision and Doctrines

6. Fables, Myths, and Stories

7. Irony and other forms of humor

8. Play and seriousness

9. Paradox

Part III. Plato's Philosophy: Permanence

10. Platonic Anonymity and the Nature of Plato's Philosophy

11. Persistent Themes and Plato's Vision

12. The Platonic Path to Wisdom

Part IV: Help in Reading and Understanding Plato's Dialogues and His Philosophy

13. How to Read a Platonic Dialogue

14. Summaries of the Dialogues

Glossary of Greek Terms

Bibliography

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 231-234) and index

ISBN:

9786613122803

9781441104861

1441104860

9781472598387

1472598385

9781283122801

1283122804

9781441155948

1441155945

OCLC:

727649587