Plato's Political Philosophy

Mark Blitz author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Johns Hopkins University Press

Published:12th Nov '10

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Plato's Political Philosophy cover

An extraordinarily fresh, rich, and thought-provoking introduction to Plato's political philosophy. Blitz takes a synoptic approach, combining in-depth textual analysis of particular dialogues with illuminating thematic discussions. The result is an extremely helpful, general-but-precise analysis of virtually all of the Platonic dialogues. -- Peter J. Ahrensdorf, Davidson College

It is an excellent companion to Plato's Dialogues.This comprehensive, yet compact, introduction examines Plato's understanding of law, justice, virtue, and the connection between politics and philosophy. Focusing on three of Plato's dialogues- The Laws, The Republic, and The Statesman-Mark Blitz lays out the philosopher's principal interests in government and the strength and limit of the law, the connection between law and piety, the importance of founding, and the status and limits of political knowledge. He examines all of Plato's discussions of politics and virtues, comments on specific dialogues, and discusses the philosopher's explorations of beauty, pleasure, good, and the relations between politics and reason. Throughout, Blitz reinforces Plato's emphasis on clear and rigorous reasoning in ethics and political life and explains in straightforward language the valuable lessons one can draw from examining Plato's writings. The only introduction to Plato that both gathers his separate discussions of politically relevant topics and pays close attention to the context and structure of his dialogues, this volume directly contrasts the modern view of politics with that of the ancient master. It is an excellent companion to Plato's Dialogues.

Readers of all levels can be grateful for this ambitious book, which is not limited to an account of Plato's political philosophy narrowly understood. Besides skillful chapters on Laws, Republic, and Statesman, Blitz provides accurate and instructive treatments of 11 other dialogues... Highly recommended. Choice 2011 [Blitz's] book is beautifully organized, and he succeeds in moving "along Plato's spiraling paths." -- Mary P. Nichols Claremont Review of Books 2011

ISBN: 9780801897658

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 21mm

Weight: 454g

336 pages