17 must-read books about plato

1. Plato: A Very Short Introduction by Julia Annas

What is this book about?

Julia Annas's "Plato: A Very Short Introduction" skillfully guides readers through the vast and intricate world of Plato's philosophy. Annas illuminates the historical context of Plato's Athens, explores his key dialogues like "The Republic" and "Symposium," and unpacks his groundbreaking ideas on metaphysics, ethics, and politics. Through clear explanations and insightful analysis, Annas makes Plato's complex thought accessible, revealing his enduring influence on Western philosophy.

Who should read this book?

• Anyone curious about philosophy
• Students studying Plato
• Readers interested in ancient Greece
• Philosophy enthusiasts looking for a concise introduction

2. Plato: A Guide for the Perplexed by Gerald A. Press

What is this book about?

Gerald A. Press's "Plato: A Guide for the Perplexed" acts as a trusted companion for navigating the intricacies of Plato's philosophy. Press addresses common points of confusion, provides clear explanations of key arguments, and offers insightful interpretations of seminal dialogues like "The Republic" and "Meno." By anticipating and tackling reader questions, Press demystifies Plato's thought, making it relevant and engaging for a modern audience.

Who should read this book?

• Students studying Plato.
• Philosophy enthusiasts.
• Anyone looking for a clear introduction to Plato's work.

3. The Cambridge Companion to Plato by

Contributor: Richard Kraut(Editor)

What is this book about?

'The Cambridge Companion to Plato' doesn't tell a story in the traditional sense. Instead, it offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Plato's vast and influential philosophical works. The book delves into Plato's key ideas, covering topics like metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics, and aesthetics, while examining their historical context and enduring relevance. Through essays written by leading Plato scholars, the 'Companion' illuminates the complexities of Plato's thought, analyzes his most significant dialogues, and explores the ongoing debates surrounding his philosophical legacy.

Who should read this book?

• Philosophy students
• Plato enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in ancient Greek thought

4. The Republic by Plato, Desmond Lee

What is this book about?

In Plato's 'The Republic' Socrates engages in a dialogue with various interlocutors, exploring the nature of justice and the ideal state. Through their discussion, they construct a hypothetical city-state ruled by philosopher-kings, where justice is achieved through a harmonious balance between wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice itself. The allegory of the cave, a central metaphor, illustrates the limitations of human perception and the importance of pursuing true knowledge. The dialogue touches on various philosophical themes, including the nature of reality, the soul, and the role of education in shaping virtuous citizens.

Who should read this book?

• Political philosophy enthusiasts
• Students of philosophy
• Anyone interested in classical literature

5. Symposium by Muriel Spark

What is this book about?

Muriel Spark's 'Symposium' revolves around a dinner party hosted by the wealthy and eccentric Mrs. Laura Gavender. As the evening progresses, secrets and tensions simmer beneath the surface of polite conversation among the eclectic guests. A shocking death disrupts the symposium, turning the focus to uncovering the truth and exposing the hidden relationships and motivations of those present. Through witty dialogue and social commentary, Spark explores themes of morality, deception, and the fragility of appearances.

Who should read this book?

• Muriel Spark fans
• Readers who enjoy witty social commentary
• Lovers of mystery and intrigue

6. Complete Works by Arthur Rimbaud

Contributor: Paul Schmidt(Translator)

What is this book about?

"Complete Works" by Arthur Rimbaud, translated by Paul Schmidt, doesn't tell a single story. Instead, it's a compilation of Rimbaud's poetry and prose, showcasing the evolution of his artistic vision. From his early, formally structured poems to the revolutionary free verse of "Illuminations" and the prose poem "A Season in Hell," the collection captures Rimbaud's exploration of language, sexuality, rebellion, and the search for personal liberation. Through vivid imagery and often shocking content, the works reflect the tumultuous inner life and artistic development of this influential French poet.

Who should read this book?

• Poetry enthusiasts
• Fans of French literature
• Anyone interested in Symbolism and Decadence

7. Why Plato Wrote by Danielle S. Allen

What is this book about?

"Why Plato Wrote" by Danielle S. Allen delves into the political motivations behind Plato's philosophical works. Allen argues that Plato's writings, often viewed as abstract philosophical treatises, were deeply engaged with the political turmoil of his time, particularly the Peloponnesian War and the rise and fall of Athenian democracy. She posits that Plato used his dialogues, especially "The Republic," not as blueprints for ideal societies but as tools to provoke critical thinking about justice, citizenship, and the best forms of governance. Through close readings and historical analysis, Allen illuminates Plato's belief in the power of philosophy to shape individuals and societies towards a more just and equitable order.

Who should read this book?

• Plato scholars
• Political theory enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in the history of philosophy

8. Preface to Plato by Eric Alfred Havelock

What is this book about?

"Preface to Plato" by Eric A. Havelock delves into the transformative impact of Plato's philosophical writings on ancient Greek culture. Havelock argues that Plato's dialogues represented a radical shift from the oral, poetic tradition of Homeric epic to a new mode of abstract, philosophical thought. He posits that Plato's writings, particularly his use of dialogue and allegory, aimed to challenge and ultimately replace the dominant role of poetry in shaping moral values, social norms, and even individual identity. This transition from an oral to a literate culture, Havelock contends, had profound implications for the development of Western thought and the very structure of human consciousness.

Who should read this book?

• Classicists
• Philosophy students
• Anyone interested in the history of ideas

9. Statesman by Piers Anthony

Contributor: Jim Burns(Illustrator)

What is this book about?

There appears to be some confusion. "Statesman" is not a known collaboration between Piers Anthony and Jim Burns. Piers Anthony is a science fiction and fantasy author known for series like Xanth and Incarnations of Immortality, while Jim Burns is a science fiction artist. It's possible you are thinking of a different book or author combination.

10. Plato and the Art of Philosophical Writing by Christopher J. Rowe

What is this book about?

"Plato and the Art of Philosophical Writing" by Christopher J. Rowe delves into Plato's innovative use of dialogue as a philosophical tool. Rowe analyzes how Plato crafted his dialogues, not as straightforward presentations of arguments, but as carefully constructed dramatic encounters that engage the reader in the process of philosophical inquiry. He explores Plato's sophisticated use of character, irony, and literary devices to convey complex philosophical ideas, challenge assumptions, and provoke critical thinking. Rowe argues that understanding Plato's artistry is essential to grasping the full depth and richness of his philosophical thought.

Who should read this book?

• Plato scholars
• Students of philosophy
• Anyone interested in literary analysis

11. Plato's Philosophers: The Coherence of the Dialogues by Catherine H. Zuckert

What is this book about?

"Plato's Philosophers: The Coherence of the Dialogues" by Catherine H. Zuckert challenges the traditional view of Plato's works as presenting a single, unified philosophical system. Zuckert argues that each dialogue should be understood as a distinct philosophical encounter, shaped by its specific dramatic context and the perspectives of the characters involved. Through close readings of major dialogues, she demonstrates how Plato uses different characters, such as Socrates, Parmenides, and the Eleatic Stranger, to explore diverse philosophical perspectives and challenge readers to engage in their own philosophical investigations. Zuckert's analysis reveals a more nuanced and dynamic Plato, whose dialogues invite ongoing interpretation and debate rather than offering definitive answers.

Who should read this book?

• Plato scholars
• Students of political philosophy
• Anyone looking for a new perspective on Plato's work

12. Plato's Republic: A Study by Stanley Rosen

What is this book about?

Stanley Rosen's "Plato's Republic: A Study" offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking interpretation of one of Plato's most influential dialogues. Rosen argues that the text is not simply a blueprint for an ideal state, but a complex and layered exploration of the human condition, the nature of justice, and the possibilities of philosophical rule. He delves into key themes such as the theory of Forms, the divided soul, the allegory of the cave, and the role of education, highlighting their interconnectedness and philosophical significance. Through close textual analysis and engagement with previous scholarship, Rosen presents a compelling case for the enduring relevance of Plato's Republic as a work of both political philosophy and enduring human wisdom.

Who should read this book?

• Serious students of Plato
• Political philosophy scholars
• Anyone seeking in-depth analysis of The Republic

13. Plato's Theory of Knowledge by Norman Gulley

What is this book about?

"Plato's Theory of Knowledge" by Norman Gulley provides a thorough examination of the development of Plato's epistemology, his philosophical framework for understanding knowledge. Gulley analyzes key Platonic dialogues, tracing the evolution of concepts like recollection, the Forms, and dialectic. He explores the challenges Plato grapples with, such as differentiating true knowledge from mere opinion and accounting for the possibility of error. Ultimately, Gulley presents a nuanced picture of Plato's pursuit of a rigorous and justifiable foundation for genuine knowledge.

Who should read this book?

• Philosophy students
• Epistemology enthusiasts
• Anyone looking for in-depth analysis of Plato's theory of knowledge

14. Plato's Ethics by Terence Irwin

What is this book about?

"Plato's Ethics" by Terence Irwin provides a comprehensive examination of Plato's ethical thought, arguing that it forms a coherent and systematic theory despite its presentation across various dialogues. Irwin explores key Platonic concepts like eudaimonia (flourishing), virtue, happiness, and the soul's good, tracing their development and interconnections. He delves into Plato's arguments for the supremacy of virtue and the idea that a well-ordered soul, guided by reason, is essential for human happiness. Irwin further examines how Plato challenges traditional views of morality and offers a compelling vision of the good life grounded in philosophical reflection and the pursuit of knowledge.

Who should read this book?

• Students of ethics
• Readers interested in ancient philosophy
• Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Plato's ideas

15. Plato's Political Philosophy by Mark Blitz

What is this book about?

"Plato's Political Philosophy" by Mark Blitz offers a compelling interpretation of Plato's political thought, arguing that it centers on the fundamental question of how to achieve a just and well-ordered society. Blitz explores key dialogues, particularly "The Republic," to analyze Plato's vision of the ideal state, the role of philosopher-kings, and the relationship between individual virtue and political justice. He examines Plato's critiques of democracy and his exploration of alternative political regimes, highlighting the enduring relevance of these ideas for contemporary political debates. Blitz presents a nuanced understanding of Plato's political philosophy, emphasizing its complexity and its enduring contribution to the study of politics.

Who should read this book?

• Political science students
• Plato enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in the history of political thought

16. Plato's Sophist by Martin Heidegger

What is this book about?

In "Plato's Sophist" Martin Heidegger delves into a close reading of Plato's dialogue "Sophist" to explore the essence of Western metaphysics. Rather than a straightforward commentary, Heidegger uses the dialogue as a springboard to examine fundamental philosophical questions about being, truth, and language. He argues that Plato's attempt to define the sophist inadvertently reveals the limitations of traditional philosophical inquiry, which relies on binary oppositions and fixed categories. Heidegger suggests that Plato's dialogue, through its very struggle to grasp the elusive nature of sophistry, points towards a more fundamental understanding of Being itself, a theme central to Heidegger's own philosophical project.

Who should read this book?

• Heidegger scholars
• Students of philosophy
• Anyone interested in philosophical interpretations of Plato

17. Plato's Laws: Force and Truth in Politics by

Contributor: Gregory Recco(Editor), Robert D. Metcalf(Contributor), Mark Munn(Contributor)

What is this book about?

"Plato's Laws: Force and Truth in Politics" by Gregory Recco, Robert D. Metcalf, and Mark Munn presents a collection of essays exploring the complex themes of law, justice, and power in Plato's final dialogue, "Laws." The contributors delve into various aspects of the text, including the role of law in shaping individual virtue and social order, the use of force and persuasion in maintaining political stability, the relationship between philosophy and law, and the challenges of implementing ideal political principles in the real world. Through their diverse perspectives and rigorous analysis, the authors illuminate the enduring significance of "Laws" as a work of political philosophy and its contribution to ongoing debates about the nature of governance and the pursuit of a just society.

Who should read this book?

• Plato scholars
• Political theorists
• Readers interested in Plato's "Laws"