Plato and Platonism: An Introduction

Plato's project, for it can never have been more than a project, remains...one of the most grandiose that man has conceived, and it is still the inspiration of all modern |systematic logic, of physical science and of systematic philosophy. Our aim in this book will ...be to interpret Plato's unwritten project in terms, not only of what Aristotle says in his reports, but also in connection with what Plato himself has written down in the dialogues; and to read the dialogues in the light, not only of one another, but also in the light of the great project behind them. This work offers a new and unique introduction to Plato and Platonic thought. J. N. Findlay reveals Plato in the context of his own age, integrating the philosopher's own teachings with the Aristotelian reports of his work in the Athenian Academy, so that the whole of Platonic doctrine can be understood, both through Plato's own writings and through the work of Aristotle and others who attended the Academy. Professor Findlay begins with a survey of modern writings on the Aristotelian response to Plato and a short biographical introduction. He then examines the platonic theory of ideas. The heart of the book, however, is a penetrating analysis of the Socratic dialogues, Phaedo, Symposium, Phaedrus, Republic; as well as the critical dialogues. Included here are the Cratylus, Theatetus, Parmenides, Sophist and Statesman. The author then explores the works of the last period of Plato's life: the Letters, Philebus, Timeus, Criticas, Laws and Epinomis. Professor Findlay concludes with an appraisal of the historical influence of Platonism. Besides presenting a fascinating perspective on one of the cornerstones of the Western tradition, PLATO AND PLATONISM provides both reader and student with an excellent, modern, short introduction and textual analysis of the Platonic basics. J. N. FINDLAY is University Professor of Philosophy at Boston University. Previously Professor of Philosophy at Yale and the University of London, he is the author of 'Plato: The Written and Unwritten Documents'.