How Plato Writes: Perspectives and Problems

Plato is a versatile philosophical writer who uses allegory, imagery, myth, paradox, and intertextuality to engage in argument and portray characters in conversation. This book illustrates the variety of literary resources Plato deploys to achieve his philosophical purposes, particularly from Republic and the less well-known Laws, and emphasizes the importance of reconstructing the original historical context to understand his approach.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Plato, a philosophical writer of remarkable and ingenious versatility, has left an indelible mark on the world of thought. His works, while engaging in profound argumentation, are also rich in allegory, imagery, myth, paradox, and intertextuality. With a keen eye for character portrayal, Plato skillfully depicts the individuals he engages in conversation, often crafting fictive dialogues in dramatic form or presenting them as narratives. In this captivating book, renowned scholar Malcolm Schofield takes readers on a journey through the diverse literary resources employed by Plato to achieve his philosophical objectives. Schofield highlights key passages from Republic and the lesser-known Laws, emphasizing their significance in understanding Plato's approach. He also underscores the importance of reconstructing the original historical context of a dialogue and its assumed readership to fully grasp Plato's philosophical vision. This book is a treasure trove for readers of all levels of expertise, unveiling Plato's masterful ability as a writer and emphasizing the critical importance of understanding this facet of his philosophy if we are to truly appreciate his profound ideas.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108483087