Read Plato

I have read Crito and Phaedo. I’d like to find someone to discuss Plato with.

I read Plato’s Regime (more commonly – and wrongly – translated “Republic”) in early 2007. It was a fascinating experience. Reading Plato to build one’s own philosophy may not be required – it may even be a distraction. But without reading at least some Plato, one compromises their understanding of Western Civilization for the past 2500 years.

Plato bores me. I do enjoy the irony.

have begun a book of plato’s dialogues…
i didn’t realize they were really about socrates’ conversations—what part of his works made emerson decide “plato is philosophy and philosophy is plato?”

If your prime interest is in philosophy, take care not to get tangled up in works after works etc. Ingredients for a philosophy-building strategy . . .

(1) Decide the kinds of points you want made more today.

(2) Decide what of your beliefs might be put to the test (whom might have convincing arguments against you?)

(3) Decide on an interesting structure in history you think will guide you. Ie: A philosopher that taught a philosopher, etc; A nation from its tiny origins; A series of movements.

(4) Create a structure of knowledge for yourself from your structure in history.

If you feel Plato fits into this formula, decide where he might fit. It’s an interesting read if you have the time, and if it doesn’t stop you from what you could better be learning.

Toast may not be exciting, but where would we be without it?

Don’t think so. Not if you truly allow yourself to sink your teeth into what he’s saying. I recently finished taking Philosophy 101 at my local community college this spring and believe me, virtually everything else in philosophy is based on this one man. He has some definitely vital insights into reality and all it entails (though I will admit some of his ideas are pretty out there :D). Surprisingly, (given the age of Plato’s works) they still have relevance and meaning for today’s culture.

The only way I’d label Plato overated is if I got to say Shakespeare was overated, too. :P

I think there are many other potentially more interesting philosohpers out there, but if you want to go anywhere in philosophy, I’d suggest you start with Plato. He is, in more ways than one, the foundation. You have to know where Philosophy’s been to know where it’s going.

Overrated. Intensely overrated.

Plato has influenced every bit of Western Civilization. After reading Plato in college, I understood many more things besides just his philosophy. Anyone seeking to understand why the West is the way we are needs to read Plato. This is completely worth doing.