The Paradox of Political Philosophy
Author | : Jacob Howland |
Publisher | : Rowman & Littlefield |
Total Pages | : 376 |
Release | : 1998 |
ISBN-10 | : 084768976X |
ISBN-13 | : 9780847689767 |
Rating | : 4/5 (6X Downloads) |
Book excerpt: An examination of Socrates' trial as played out in the Apology, Theaetetus, Euthyphro, Cratylus, Sophist, and Statesman. Finding that the heart of the dialogues is the rivalry between the characters of the Stranger of Elea and Socrates, the author devotes a chapter to each dialogue and explores the Stranger of Elea's criticism that the uncompromising pursuit of knowledge conflicts with the task of weaving together humans into a political community. The melding of the arguments of Socrates and the Stranger of Elea, the author suggests, is the best path to understanding Plato's political philosophy. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR