STUDYING PLATO
This workspace is devoted to the ideas of the Greek
philosopher Plato. Students can discover how his ideas were developed in
sections on medieval philosophy. The workspace does not provide a detailed
study of Plato's thought. It is not intended for a reader who wishes to become
an expert on Greek philosophy. It is intended for a student of social theory
who is studying some of the important thinkers from the 19th and 20th centuries
who were influenced by ideas from the past. The purpose of the Plato workspace
and its companion Aristotle workspace is to provide a suitable level of
background so that a student working on ideas in phenomenology, postmodernism,
or the thought of Foucault or Gadamer or Heidegger or Habermas and many others
can do so profitably. Students meeting Plato's thought for the first time are
advised to read the introductory life, the ideas on the early dialogue
The Larches and then read some of the sections on
Republic. Students should ensure they understand
the political importance of Plato's thought, gain an understanding of the ideal
forms and particularly make sure they attempt the questions for the texts
described. These questions are designed to help you apply aspects of Plato's
thought to topics and problems you are exploring.