Greece, Classical Athens and the Academy
Plato was an Ancient Greek philosopher of Classical Athens. He influenced all the major areas of theoretical philosophy, and practical philosophy, and was the founder of the Academy, a philosophical school in Athens where Plato taught the collection of philosophical theories that would later become known as Platonism. Plato ws influenced by the pre-Socratic thinkers Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, although much of what is known about them is derived from Plato himself. Along with his teacher Socrates, and his student Aristotle, Plato is a central figure in the history of Western philosophy. 2,400 years later, Plato’s complete works are presumed to have survived, unlike those of many of his contemporaries. [see Wikipedia]
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The Republic, c. 375 BCE, Plato
Nicomachean Ethics, c. 350 BCE, Aristotle
Politics, c. 350 BCE, Aristotle
Below a map of the world during Plato (427 to 347 BCE) and Aristotle (384 to 322 BCE).
… more books:
by Plato, c. 399 – 387 BCE, Ancient Grece
Summary: Plato presents Socrates’ defense at his trial for impiety and corrupting the young. Socrates argues that living virtuously and examining one’s life matter more than reputation, wealth, or even survival.
Themes: Meaning of life, Mortality, Duty, Virtue, Truth, Justice, Courage, Wisdom, Citizenship
by Herodotus, c. 440 BCE
Summary: The Histories is a pioneering 5th century BCE prose work recording the origins and events of the Greco-Persian Wars, framed by an expansive exploration of geography, culture, and lore of the ancient world.
Themes: Hubris, Justice, Freedom, Human Life
The History of the Peloponnesian War
by Thucydides, late 5th century BCE
Summary: The History of the Peloponnesian War is an account of the 27-year conflict (431-404 BCE) between Athens, leader of the Delian League, and Sparta, leader of the Peloponnesian League.
Themes: Power, War, Hubris, Leadership
by Plato, c. 385 – 370 BCE, Ancient Greece
Summary: At a banquet, Socrates and other guests give competing speeches about the nature of eros, or love. Socrates recounts Diotima’s teaching that love can rise from attraction to an individual body toward love of wisdom, goodness, and ultimately Beauty itself.
Themes: Love, Desire, Beauty, Wisdom, Meaning of Life, Virtue, Immortality, Philosophy
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