Plato of Athens: A Life in Philosophy

Plato was a philosopher who was born in Athens during the fifth century BCE. He attended lectures from various thinkers and became disillusioned with politics after the Athenians condemned his teacher, Socrates, to death. Instead, he turned to writing and teaching, founding the Academy, the world's first higher-educational research and teaching establishment. He returned to practical politics and spent time creating a constitution for Syracuse in Sicily that reflected his political ideals. Plato was considered almost divine in his lifetime and after, leading to the invention of many tall tales about him. Robin Waterfield's biography, Plato of Athens, provides a judicious course among these stories, debunking some while accepting the kernels of truth in others. It is the perfect introduction to the man and his work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Plato, widely regarded as the most influential philosopher in history, emerged into the world during a tumultuous period in Athens at the end of the fifth century BCE. Born into a prosperous family, he nurtured his intellect by attending lectures delivered by renowned thinkers who visited the city and engaging in poetic pursuits. Despite his initial inclination towards politics, Plato's disillusionment grew particularly strong after witnessing the execution of his mentor, Socrates. Consequently, he redirected his energies towards writing and teaching.

In his twenties, Plato began imparting his knowledge to students, eventually establishing the renowned Academy, which became the world's first higher-educational institution dedicated to research and teaching. Throughout his life, Plato actively engaged in practical politics, striving to create a constitution for Syracuse in Sicily that would uphold and perpetuate his political ideals. However, his efforts met with failure, leaving him disappointed. This disappointment can be discerned in some of his later political works.

Plato's extraordinary influence extended beyond his lifetime, leading to the creation of numerous myths and legends about him. Both his admirers and detractors contributed to these tales, often embellishing or distorting the truth. In this groundbreaking biography, Robin Waterfield navigates through these narratives, discarding some while embracing the essence of truth contained within others. He delves into Plato's decision to write dialogues rather than treatises, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter covered in all of his books. Written in a clear and engaging style, Plato of Athens serves as an ideal introduction to the man and his profound contributions to philosophy.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197564752