Plato
Brief Summary
Plato’s experiences while growing up shaped his Philosophy, being born into a prominent family that claimed descent from the god Poseidon [1]. Early on Plato was praised for his development and education by his instructors. He was educated in many disciplines creating a well rounded approach to the world [2]. His first experiences with philosophy came from Cratylus, a pre-Socratic philosopher whose teachings brought the idea of the Helaclitean doctrine which influenced Plato’s ideas on philosophy [3]. As many sources conclude, Plato more than exercised his thoughts through his works, but spent the better part of his life practicing them [4]. His work in Government affairs was concluded when Socrates was executed, due to Plato’s lack of trust in Athenian government [5]. Plato went on to create the first university in history, where he went about educating the men of society on the prosecution of scientific study [6].
Plato’s influence as the first complete Philosopher may be noted from his many works that deal with a wide variety of Philosophical topics [7]. Plato’s dedication to the Truth would drive him to create the frame work for Western Philosophy [8]. Plato offers the most detailed account of Socrates and his work over any other sources from the time [9]. His works on Socrates in some cases was for no other purpose than to put in writing the views of his teacher [10]. In the Republic, one Plato’s most influential works, the idea for the perfect government system ruled by and with justice is laid out from the ideas of Socrates [11]. Among Plato’s dialogues Statesman provides another look at government where he works to define every aspect of a good statesman and their government and comes to the conclusion that, “the best government is lawless,” flexible for the individuals it governs [12].
Plato’s contributions to philosophy and the world are undeniable; a great amount of the world’s progress has to be attributed to his work and dedication for truth. He managed to lead a humble life from a not so humble beginning and dedicated much of his thought and time to recording the thoughts of his instructor, Socrates.
Notable Works
Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phædo, Cratylus, Theætetus, Sophist, Statesman, Parmenides, Philebus, Symposium, Phædrus Alcibiades, 2nd Alcibiades, Hipparchus, Rival Lovers, Theages, Charmides, Laches, Lysis, Euthydemus, Protagoras, Gorgias, Meno, Hippias major, Hippias minor, Ion, Menexenus, Clitophon, Republic, Timæus, Critias, Minos, Laws, Epinomis, Letters
Tetralogies (arranging of Plato's works in groups of four), as arranged by Diogenes Lærtius, who cited Plato himself for the arraignments[13].
1. Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phædo
2. Cratylus, Theætetus, Sophist, Statesman
3. Parmenides, Philebus, Symposium, Phædrus
4. Alcibiades, 2nd Alcibiades, Hipparchus, Rival Lovers
5. Theages, Charmides, Laches, Lysis
6. Euthydemus, Protagoras, Gorgias, Meno
7. Hippias major, Hippias minor, Ion, Menexenus
8. Clitophon, Republic, Timæus, Critias
9. Minos, Laws, Epinomis, Letters
References
Citations
Biffle, Christopher. A Guided Tour of Five Works By Plato. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Co., 2001.ISBN 0-7674-1033-5
Cairns, Huntington and Edith Hamilton, ed. The Collected Dialogues of Plato. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1961. Library of Congress Catalogue Card No. 61-11758
Taylor, A.E.. Plato; The Man and His Works. London, Great Britain: Redwood Press Limited, 1971.ISBN 9780486416052
“Plato’s Ethics and Politics in the Republic.” Tue 1 Apr, 2003. Stanford University. Nov 14, 2007. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/plato-ethics-politics/
“Plato.” 2004. Stanford University. Nov 14, 2007. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/plato/