TL;DR
Complete Works by Plato is a comprehensive collection of his dialogues and letters, providing essential insights into his philosophy and guidance on their study.
What is Complete Works about
Complete Works by Plato is an extensive collection that gathers translations of Plato’s dialogues and letters. This compilation is essential for anyone interested in understanding the breadth and depth of Plato's philosophical inquiries. The book includes guidance on how to approach these texts, making it accessible for both novices and seasoned scholars. Plato’s dialogues cover various themes, including justice, love, knowledge, and the ideal state, and they continue to be foundational to Western philosophical thought.
Complete Works 6 Key Takeaways
Theory of Forms
Plato's Theory of Forms posits that non-material abstract forms, and not the material world, possess the highest and most fundamental kind of reality. This theory is central to many of his dialogues, especially in 'The Republic'.
The Allegory of the Cave
Found in 'The Republic', this allegory explains Plato's view on human perception. He suggests that people are like prisoners in a cave, only able to see shadows of the real objects, which represent ultimate truth.
Philosopher-King
In 'The Republic', Plato argues that the best rulers are philosopher-kings, individuals who possess both a love of wisdom, as well as intelligence, reliability, and a willingness to live a simple life.
Dialectical Method
Plato's dialogues often employ the dialectical method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, aimed at stimulating critical thinking to draw out ideas and underlying presumptions.
Platonic Love
In 'The Symposium', Plato explores the nature of love through a series of speeches, introducing the concept of Platonic love, which transcends physical attraction and aims at the appreciation of the beauty of one's soul.
Immortality of the Soul
Discussed in dialogues like 'Phaedo', Plato argues for the immortality of the soul, suggesting that the soul exists before birth and continues to exist after death.
Top Complete Works Quotes
- The greatest wealth is to live content with little.
- The beginning is the most important part of the work.
- Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.
Who should read Complete Works?
Complete Works by Plato is ideal for students, scholars, and anyone interested in philosophy. Its comprehensive nature makes it suitable for both beginners seeking to understand the fundamentals of Plato’s ideas and experienced readers looking to delve deeper into his extensive body of work.
Complete Works Best Reviews
- Complete Works by Plato is an indispensable resource for students of philosophy. The translations are readable and faithful to the original texts, and the guidance provided helps readers navigate the rich and complex ideas within. – The New York Times
- This collection is a remarkable achievement, providing unparalleled access to Plato's thoughts and theories. It is a must-have for anyone serious about philosophical study. – The Guardian
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Complete Works FAQs
Who wrote Plato Complete Works?
The Complete Works is authored by Plato, one of the most influential philosophers in Western history.
What is Plato's most important book?
Plato's most famous work is 'The Republic', which details a wise society run by a philosopher. Other significant works include 'The Symposium', 'Apology', 'Crito', 'Phaedo', and 'The Laws'.
How many works did Plato write?
Plato wrote thirty-five dialogues and thirteen letters (the Epistles), though modern scholarship doubts the authenticity of at least some of these.