Plato and Platonism

In this volume, a distinguished group of philosophers offers new insight into Platonic studies. Combining cutting-edge research with innovative analysis, the authors present fourteen essays on various dimensions of Plato's thought. Most of Plato's dialogues are examined, from such conspicuously Socratic texts as Protagoras, Euthyphro, and Crito to the allegedly late Sophist, Statesman, and Laws. Several essays explore specific philosophical problems raised in a single Platonic dialogue. Some offer in-depth analysis of one dialogue-for instance, the volume includes two very different but highly provocative essays on Timaeus. Others pursue a topic or theme that runs throughout a number of dialogues, and still others speak about the Platonic heritage and the thought of ancient philosophers who regarded themselves as faithfully preserving and transmitting the doctrines of their master. The major subject divisions of philosophy are covered, with considerable attention being paid to issues of Platonist methodology.

The studies themselves reflect the varied backgrounds and allegiances of the many authors. Both Anglo-Saxon and continental traditions of philosophy and philosophical scholarship are represented in spirited, combative, and potentially controversial discussions. In several cases the point of departure is not a primarily historical question but a contemporary issue on which Plato is probed for his contribution along with the greatest philosophers of later periods. This leads to radical reevaluations of Plato's contribution to fields as diverse as epistemology and political philosophy.

In addition to the editor, the contributors are: R. E. Allen, Ronna Burger, Kenneth Dorter, Thérèse-Anne Druart, Charles L. Griswold, Jr., Fred D. Miller, Jr., Mitchell Miller, Dominic J. O'Meara, Kurt Pritzl, O.P., John M. Rist, Stanley Rosen, Daryl McGowan Tress, and Anne M. Wiles. See more