Introduction to the Philosophy and Writings of Plato - Softcover

Taylor, Thomas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 151145539X ISBN 13: 9781511455398

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015

Synopsis

"Philosophy," says Hierocles, "is the purification and perfection of human life. It is the purification, indeed, from material irrationality, and the mortal body; but the perfection, in consequence of being the resumption of our proper felicity, and a reascent to the divine likeness. To effect these two is the province of Virtue and Truth; the former exterminating the immoderation of the passions; and the latter introducing the divine form to those who are naturally adapted to its reception."

To evince that the philosophy of Plato possesses this preeminence; that its dignity and sublimity are unrivaled; that it is the parent of all that ennobles man; and, that it is founded on principles, which neither time can obliterate, nor sophistry subvert, is the principal design of this Introduction.

To effect this design, I shall in the first place present the reader with the outlines of the principal dogmas of Plato's philosophy. The undertaking is indeed no less novel than arduous, since the author of it has to tread in paths which have been untrodden for upwards of a thousand years, and to bring to light truths which for that extended period have been concealed in Greek. Let not the reader, therefore, be surprised at the solitariness of the paths through which I shall attempt to conduct him, or at the novelty of the objects which will present themselves in the journey: for perhaps he may fortunately recollect that he has traveled the same road before, that the scenes were once familiar to him, and that the country through which he is passing is his native land.

About this title

About the Author:

Thomas Taylor (1758 - 1835) was an English translator. He was the first to translate into English the complete works of Aristotle and of Plato. Many famous authors read his translations, which influenced their writing. Plato studied under Socrates and was Aristotle’s teacher. Together these three Greeks developed the basis of philosophical thinking for the entire Western world. Plato was also a writer, mathematician, and founder of the Academy in Athens, which was the first university in Europe. Introduction to the Philosophy and Writings of Plato is based on the premise that Plato may be justly called the primary leader of philosophy, magnificent, and divine.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 151145539X
• ISBN 13: 9781511455398
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 130