A Companion to Plato

This broad-ranging Companion comprises original contributions from leading Platonic scholars and reflects the different ways in which they are dealing with Plato's legacy. Covers an exceptionally broad range of subjects from diverse perspectives. Contributions are devoted to topics, ranging from perception and knowledge to politics and cosmology. Allows readers to see how a position advocated in one of Plato's dialogues compares with positions advocated in others. Permits readers to engage the debate concerning Plato's philosophical development on particular topics. Also includes overviews of Plato's life, works and philosophical method.

Notes on Contributors. Preface. Abbreviations. 1. The Life of Plato of Athens: Debra Nails (Michigan State University). 2. Interpreting Plato: Christopher Rowe (University of Durham). 3. The Socratic Problem: William J. Prior (Santa Clara University). Part I: Platonic Method and the Dialogue Form:. 4. Form and the Platonic Dialogues: Mary Margaret McCabe (King's College London). 5. The Socratic Elenchus: Charles M. Young (Claremont Graduate University). 6. Platonic Definitions and Forms: R. M. Dancy (Florida State University). 7. Plato's Method of Dialectic: Hugh H. Benson (University of Oklahoma). Part II: Platonic Epistemology:. 8. Socratic Ignorance: Gareth B. Matthews (University of Massachusetts at Amherst). 9. Plato on Recollection: Charles Kahn (University of Pennsylvania). 10. Plato: A Theory of Perception or a Nod to Sensation?: Deborah K. W. Modrak (University of Rochester). 11. Knowledge and the Forms in Plato: Michael Ferejohn (Duke University). Part III: Platonic Metaphysics:. 12. The Forms and the Sciences in Socrates and Plato: Terry Penner (Professor Emeritus). 13. Problems for Forms: Mary Louise Gill (Brown University). 14. The Role of Cosmology in Plato's Philosophy: Cynthia Freeland (University of Houston). 15. Plato on Language: David Sedley (University of Cambridge). 16. Plato and Mathematics: Michael J. White (Arizona State University). 17. Platonic Religion: Mark L. McPherran (University of Maine at Farmington). Part IV: Platonic Psychology:. 18. The Socratic Paradoxes: Thomas C. Brickhouse (Lynchburg College) and Nicholas D. Smith (Lewis and Clark College, Portland). 19. The Platonic Soul: Fred D. Miller, Jr. (Bowling Green State University). 20. Plato on Eros and Friendship: C. D. C. Reeve (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). 21. Plato on Pleasure as the Human Good: Gerasimos Santas (University of California, Irvine). Part V: Platonic Ethics, Politics, And Aesthetics:. 22. The Unity of the Virtues: Daniel Devereux (University of Virginia). 23. Plato on Justice: David Keyt (University of Washington, Seattle). 24. Plato's Concept of Goodness: Nicholas White (University of California at Irvine). 25. Plato on the Law: Susan Sauv_ Meyer (University of Pennsylvania). 26. Plato and the Arts: Christopher Janaway (University of Southampton). Part VI: Platonic Legacy:. 27. Learning about Plato from Aristotle: Christopher Shields (University of Oxford). 28. Plato and Hellenistic Philosophy: A. A. Long (University of California, Berkeley). 29. Plato's Influence on Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Philosophy: Sara Ahbel-Rappe (University of Michigan). Index