Question

I have gotten my hands on Plato's Complete Works and I would like to know what would be interesting to read on a first read-through of his and what should maybe be reserved for later. I am not planning on reading the full 1800 pages in one go so I am looking for a few fundamental dialogues that expose his ideas and will serve me well in understanding the philosophy of Aristotle and the others that came after him. What is the advice for selecting dialogues for a first read-through from Plato's Complete Works to understand Aristotle's philosophy?

Answer 1

Begin with Plato’s 'Apology' for an introduction to Socratic methods, 'Republic' for its political and metaphysical doctrines, and 'Phaedo' to understand the Theory of Forms which influenced later philosophical debates including those of Aristotle.

Step-by-step explanation:

When embarking on a first read-through of Plato's Complete Works, a few fundamental dialogues will help in understanding the philosophy of Aristotle and subsequent thinkers.

Firstly, the 'Apology' is essential for it portrays Socrates' defense speech at his trial and encapsulates key elements of his philosophical approach. Secondly, the 'Republic' provides a comprehensive view of Plato’s philosophies on justice, the ideal society, and the philosopher-king, all foundational to political theory and metaphysics. Lastly, the 'Phaedo' delves into Plato's Theory of Forms and the immortality of the soul, differentiating his ideas from those of his mentor, Socrates, and providing a precursor to Aristotle's differing views on forms and empiricism. These dialogues offer a scaffold to understand the dialectical method, ethical inquiries, and epistemological theories that influenced not only Aristotle but also the entire Western philosophical tradition.