Plato: A Very Short Introduction

by Julia Annas

Overview

This lively and accessible book focuses on the philosophy and argument of Plato's writings, drawing the reader into Plato's way of doing philosophy and the general themes of his thinking. It discusses Plato's style of writing: his use of the dialogue form, his use of what we today call fiction, and his philosophical transformation of myths. It also looks at his discussions of love and philosophy, his attitude towards women, and towards homosexual love. It explores Plato's claim that virtue is sufficient for happiness and touches on his arguments for the immorality of the soul and his ideas about the nature of the universe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192802163
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/15/2003
Series:	Very Short Introductions , #79
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	428,116
Product dimensions:	7.18(w) x 4.46(h) x 0.31(d)
Lexile:	1340L (what's this?)

About the Author

Julia Annas is Regents Professor of Philosophy at The University of Arizona. She has published eight books and many articles on a wide variety of topics in ancient philosophy and is author of Ancient Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction.

Table of Contents

1. Arguing with Plato2. Plato's name, and other matters3. Drama, fiction and the elusive author4. Love, sex, gender and philosophy5. Vitue in me and in my society6. My soul and myself7. The nature of things