Plato and the Other Companions of Sokrates, 3rd ed. Volume 3

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Gutenberg ID

40437

Title

Plato and the Other Companions of Sokrates, 3rd ed. Volume 3

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

George Grote's third volume offers a critical analysis of Plato's dialogues *Phaedrus* and *Symposium*, alongside the *Parmenides*. The text explores Platonic theories of Eros, rhetoric, and the Theory of Ideas, contrasting them with Aristotelian logic and examining the philosophical tensions between transcendental ideals and practical instruction.

Summary up to 500 words

In this scholarly examination of Plato's later works, George Grote investigates the evolution of his master's thought, contrasting the erotic dialogues with more critical inquiries. The volume begins by analyzing *Phaedrus* and *Symposium*, where Eros is presented as a stimulus for philosophy, bridging the sensible world and eternal Ideas. Grote contrasts these works with *Phaedo* and *Theaetetus*, noting that while Plato elevates Eros in the former, he treats it differently elsewhere. A significant portion addresses Plato's theory of rhetoric, arguing that true persuasion requires dialectic and knowledge of truth rather than mere knack. The text then turns to the *Parmenides*, a dialogue where the veteran philosopher Parmenides cross-examines Socrates on the Theory of Ideas. Grote details the severe objections raised regarding how sensible objects participate in immutable Forms and whether these Forms are knowable. He highlights the resulting antinomies, which Plato uses not to assert dogma but to demonstrate the difficulties inherent in theorizing. Finally, Grote discusses the *Kleitophon*, an unfinished dialogue that powerfully critiques Socrates' negative method, suggesting it leaves students with perplexity rather than affirmative doctrine. Throughout, Grote compares Platonic transcendentalism with Aristotle's more systematic approach, which bridges the gap between eternal Forms and changing particulars by including motion within the realm of Being.

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Categories

• Classics
• Philosophy