The complete dialogues of Plato
Plato's dialogues are a collection of philosophical works written by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. These dialogues cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, metaphysics, epistemology, and aesthetics. The dialogues are written in the form of conversations between Socrates, Plato's mentor, and various other characters, such as Glaucon, Thrasymachus, and Meno.
One of the most famous dialogues is "The Republic," in which Socrates and his interlocutors discuss the nature of justice and the ideal city-state. In this dialogue, Socrates argues that justice is the highest good and that the just individual is happier than the unjust individual. He also outlines his vision of the ideal society, which is ruled by philosopher-kings who are guided by reason and wisdom.
Another important dialogue is "The Symposium," in which Socrates and his friends gather at a banquet to discuss the nature of love. Each character gives a speech on the topic, and Socrates ultimately argues that true love is a spiritual connection that transcends physical desire.
In "The Phaedo," Socrates discusses the nature of the soul and the afterlife. He argues that the soul is immortal and that true wisdom comes from contemplating the eternal truths of the universe.
Overall, Plato's dialogues are a rich and complex exploration of the fundamental questions of human existence. They continue to be studied and debated by philosophers and scholars to this day, making them an essential part of the Western philosophical tradition.
es of PlatoPlato, the greatest philosopher of ancient Greece, was born in Athens in 428 or 427 B.C.E. to an aristocratic family. He studied under Socrates, who appears as a character in many of his dialogues. He attended Socrates' trial and that traumatic experience may have led to his attempt to design an ideal society. Following the death of Socrates, he traveled widely in search of learning. After twelve years he returned to Athens and founded his Academy, one of the earliest organized schools in western civilization. Among Plato's pupils was Aristotle. Some The Dialogues of Plato, translated by Benjamin Jowett, is a comprehensive collection of the philosophical works of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. This five-volume set includes some of Plato's most famous dialogues, such as "The Republic," "Symposium," "Phaedo," and "Phaedrus," among others.
In these dialogues, Plato explores a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, metaphysics, epistemology, and aesthetics. Through the use of Socratic dialogue, Plato presents his ideas in the form of conversations between Socrates and various interlocutors, allowing readers to engage with the arguments and ideas presented in a dynamic and engaging way.
One of the central themes of Plato's dialogues is the nature of justice and the ideal society. In "The Republic," Plato presents his vision of a just society ruled by philosopher-kings, where individuals are assigned roles based on their abilities and virtues. Through this dialogue, Plato explores the nature of justice, the role of the individual in society, and the importance of education and philosophy in creating a harmonious and just society.
In "Symposium," Plato explores the nature of love and desire, presenting a series of speeches by different characters on the topic of love. Through these speeches, Plato examines the different forms of love, from physical desire to spiritual love, and the role that love plays in human relationships and society.
In "Phaedo," Plato presents the final days of Socrates, as he awaits his execution in prison. Through a series of conversations with his friends, Socrates discusses the nature of the soul, the afterlife, and the immortality of the soul. This dialogue is a powerful exploration of the philosophical ideas that were central to Socrates' teachings and his understanding of the world.
Overall, The Dialogues of Plato, translated by Benjamin Jowett, is a comprehensive and engaging collection of some of the most important works of Western philosophy. Through the use of dialogue and argumentation, Plato presents his ideas in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking, making this collection essential reading for anyone interested in philosophy, ethics, politics, or the nature of reality.
Book Published: 1871
Author: Plato
Translator: Jowett, Benjamin.
Book Published: 1871
Author: Plato
Translator: Jowett, Benjamin.
Contents
Volume 1
That contains:
Charmides. Lysis. Laches. Protagoras. Euthydemus. Cratylus. Phaedrus. Ion. Symposium.
Volume 2
that contains:
Meno. Euthyphro. Apology. Crito. Phaedo. Gorgias. Appendix I: Lesser Hippias. Alcibiades I. Menexenus. Appendix II: Alcibiades II. Eryxias
Volume 3.
that contains:
Republic. Timaeus. Critias
Volume 4.
That contains:
Pharmenides. Theaetetus. Sophist. Statesman. Philebus.
Volume 5
that contains:
Laws.
Download the PDF collection
Volume 1
That contains:
Charmides. Lysis. Laches. Protagoras. Euthydemus. Cratylus. Phaedrus. Ion. Symposium.
Volume 2
that contains:
Meno. Euthyphro. Apology. Crito. Phaedo. Gorgias. Appendix I: Lesser Hippias. Alcibiades I. Menexenus. Appendix II: Alcibiades II. Eryxias
Volume 3.
that contains:
Republic. Timaeus. Critias
Volume 4.
That contains:
Pharmenides. Theaetetus. Sophist. Statesman. Philebus.
Volume 5
that contains:
Laws.
Download the PDF collection