Protagoras / Edition 1

by Plato, C. C. W. Taylor

Overview

In addition to its interest as one of Plato's most brilliant dramatic masterpieces, the Protagoras presents a vivid picture of the crisis of fifth century Greek thought, in which traditional values and conceptions of humanity were subjected to criticism of the Sophists and to the far more radical criticism of Socrates. The dialogue deals with many themes which are central to the ethical theories which Plato developed under the influence of Socrates, notably, the nature of human excellence, the relation of knowledge to right conduct, and the place of pleasure in the good life. This revised edition includes a new Preface and Introduction, as well as numerous changes to the translation and commentary.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198239345
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/06/1992
Series:	Clarendon Plato Series
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	266
Sales rank:	301,203
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 5.50(h) x 0.61(d)
Lexile:	1450L (what's this?)

About the Author

Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher born in Athens during the Classical period.In Athens, Plato founded the Academy, a philosophical school where he taught the philosophical doctrines that would later become known as Platonism. Plato, or Platon, was a pen name derived, apparently, from the nickname given to him by his wrestling coach - allegedly a reference to his physical broadness. According to Alexander Polyhistor, quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, his actual name was Aristocles, son of Ariston, of the deme (suburb) Collytus, in Athens.[2]Plato was an innovator of the written dialogue and dialectic forms in philosophy. He raised problems for what became all the major areas of both theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy. His most famous contribution is the theory of forms (or ideas), which has been interpreted as advancing a solution to what is now known as the problem of universals. He is the namesake of Platonic love and the Platonic solids. His own most decisive philosophical influences are usually thought to have been, along with Socrates, the pre-Socratics Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, although few of his predecessors' works remain extant and much of what is known about these figures today derives from Plato himself

Editorial Reviews

A very readable translation that conveys both the philosophical and the dramatic context better than any existing translation. It is extremely accurate in conveying the movement of the argument and in noting significant points of philosophical usage. . . . I am very impressed with the vividness and the easy flow of the prose. —John Cooper, Princeton University

From the Publisher