Leo Strauss on Plato's "Protagoras"

This book provides a transcript of Leo Strausss seminar on Platos Protagoras, which was taught at the University of Chicago in 1965. The lectures are less dense and more conversational than Strausss published writings and cover key themes such as the difference between Socratic and Sophistic political science, the character of virtue, the relation between knowledge and virtue, the good and the pleasant, frankness and concealment, the role of myth, and the relation between freedom of thought and freedom of speech. The book is of special interest to students of Plato and Strauss.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

This comprehensive book presents a transcript of Leo Strauss's renowned seminar on Plato's Protagoras, delivered at the University of Chicago in the spring quarter of 1965. The seminar, edited and introduced by esteemed scholar Robert C. Bartlett, offers a unique perspective on Strausss interpretation of Plato's work. Unlike his published writings, these lectures are more conversational and less dense, allowing for a deeper understanding of Strausss ideas.

While Strauss considered himself a Platonist and had published some works on Plato, he focused less on individual dialogues. In these lectures, Strauss delves into various profound themes, including the distinction between the Socratic and Sophistic approaches to political science, the nature and teachability of virtue, its relationship to knowledge, and the interconnections among virtues such as courage, justice, moderation, and wisdom. He also explores the concepts of the good and the pleasant, frankness and concealment, the role of myth, and the interplay between freedom of thought and freedom of speech.

Strauss examines Protagoras and the sophists in depth, providing a detailed discussion of Protagoras's place in relation to Plato's other dialogues and the insights of modern thinkers. This book holds particular significance for students interested in both Plato's philosophy and Strausss interpretation of it. It offers a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226818153