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Plato's Quest for True Knowledge, 2002.
Examining Plato's paradox of the search for true knowledge and how one will know when one has discovered this knowledge.
1,785 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Plato states that for true knowledge, the process known as learning is actually a process of uncovering or recollecting what the individual already knows. It explains that as a solution to the question of how one will know when the correct answer is found this is ingenious. But this is not Plato's essential answer to the paradox. The true resolution lies in Socrates' demonstration that one can, through inquiry, come to knowledge of an object even though one has no knowledge of it to begin with.
From the Paper
"As Socrates puts it, during the discussion of what the slave has accomplished in the exercise in inquiry, "a man who does not know has in himself true opinions on a subject without having knowledge" (85c). Plato's theory of recollection may provide an explanation of how the individual is able to proceed along the path toward knowledge and how he knows when he has discovered knowledge. But recollection is, in itself, inadequate to the task of inquiry which is, as Socrates shows, essential to acquiring knowledge even if this is essentially an uncovering of knowledge the individual possesses from previous incarnations.
Socrates' method on being asked about a particular object (usually a virtue) is to deny that he has any knowledge of the object of inquiry and then to prompt the other to explain what he knows about that object. Those with whom he speaks inevitably have opinions or beliefs about the object in question. As the interlocutor supplies his answers (his opinions and beliefs) Socrates leads him, by careful questioning, to see that he does not, in fact, have the knowledge of the object that he thought he possessed. Thus Socrates invariably demonstrates to the other party that, like Socrates, he too does not know what the virtue is. This leaves the other man, as Meno says, feeling like he has been stung and numbed by the hidden barb of a sting-ray (80a). But in Meno's case the interlocutor begins to question the whole process of inquiry in which they are engaged. Meno poses a paradox for Socrates which presents a genuine puzzle."
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Theme of Knowledge in "Dr. Faustus" and "Paradise Lost", 2002.
An examination of the themes of knowledge and loss of innocence in John Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Christopher Marlowe's "Dr. Faustus".
2,927 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
This research explores the quest for knowledge and supports the thesis that the end result of the quest for knowledge in "Dr. Faustus" and with Adam and Eve in "Paradise Lost" was the ultimate demise and fall of the characters. The circumstances that led to the fall demonstrate many different perspectives about crime and punishment during the Renaissance.
From the Paper
"Man has been on an endless quest for knowledge from his humble beginnings. However, many religious scholars of old seem to view knowledge, at least of certain types, to be inappropriate for mere mortals. They have concluded that humans are not ready for certain types of knowledge and that this is better left for God. However, like a child, humans are in a constant quest for that which is forbidden and as many literary masters would have it, this quest for knowledge has many times been man?s downfall."
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Plato's Republic, 2005.
A discussion of Plato's concept of the true philosopher and how this relates to the "spectacle of truth".
2,221 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the joint dichotomy of spectacle and truth that is seen throughout Plato's work. The paper explains that Plato makes a distinction between true philosophers and those who only pretend to be philosophers and that true philosophers, according to Plato, weigh carefully the options before them, and choose the one that serve them most at any particular time.
From the Paper
"The question identified for a critical understanding of Plato's Republic entails the "spectacle of truth" (475 d-e), and the role of the image of the festival in Plato's work. Firstly, the spectacle of truth entails that the concept of truth itself is a kind of festival, and the ultimate goal for which a philosopher should strive. The "spectacle" is then what the philosopher presents to the world as the product of thought and logic."
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Plato?s ?Symposium?, 2004.
An analysis of the nature of true love in Plato?s ?Symposium?.
918 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, in Plato?s dialogue ?The Symposium,? defining the exact nature of love during a drinking party grips the philosophical imagination of Socrates and numerous other revelers at the house of a man named Agathon. It looks at how the drinking party includes many individuals exposing their different ideas about the true nature of love and how only Socrates offers a view of love that encompasses more than simply the relationship between earthly individuals. It shows how, instead, Socrates suggests an individualistic pursuit of love by the soul, where it cleaves to the good in a non-sexual and ?Platonic? form of affection as the ultimate goal of exercising in physical and spiritual love in the world.
From the Paper
"The ?Symposium? proceeds in a dramatic fashion. Its first extended definition of love that is significant to the definitions that follow, begins with a comparison between the love of men and women, asserting finally that the love of men (because it is spiritual rather than purely physical in its inclination). Later, this becomes clarified by very beautiful myth told by one of the participants, of how love is defined as the soul cleaving to the individual that the body was once separated from at the beginning of creation. Rather than a purely physical view of love, this example suggests that love?s physical acts have a strong spiritual component that cannot be ignored."
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Sartre vs. Plato and Kant, 2002.
This paper discusses what Sartre might say to Plato and Kant and then what would Plato and Kant respond to Sartre, explaining how their philosophies are both different and similar.
825 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper presents an imaginary dialogue among the philosophers Sartre, Kant and Plato. Neither Kant nor Plato would agree with Sartre. On the other hand, Sartre would not have agreed with them. Three different philosophers with different points of view concerning mankind and what is best for them is clearly presented.
From the Paper
"This is where Sartre would answered, ?There is no God to have a conception of it. Man simply is. Not that he is simply what he conceives himself to be, but he is what he wills and as he conceives himself after already existing.? Sartre would have discussed the principles behind existentialism. He would have retorted about the subjectivity of mankind. "
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Plato?s "Parmenides", 2005.
This paper analyzes Plato's "Parmenides", one of Plato's most important dialogues, which focuses on the critique of the theory of Forms.
1,695 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Plato's theory of Forms, as presented in "Parmenides", is founded on the assumption that a higher, spiritual realm of Forms, or Ideas, exists beyond the world of physical things. The author points out that Plato was influence by pre-Socratic thinkers such as Pythagoras, who believed that all things are in number and that the universe is created and ruled by certain numerical principles, Parmenides, who built his philosophical structure around the concept of One, and Heraclitus, who perceived the world as a perpetual transformation of things into their opposites. The paper relates that Plato's "Parmenide"s has influenced many of the thinkers of the Western World such as Plotinus, Proclus, Dionysius the Areopagite, Nicholas Cusanus and GWF Hegel.
From the Paper
"Although in the "Phaedo" dialogue, Socrates seems to describe the theory of Forms as a very familiar concept that he has applied for a long time without any difficulties, "Parmenides", which is a dialogue of the second period, contains a set of criticisms of this theory. Therefore, scholars have asked themselves whether Plato had two distinct philosophies, an earlier and a later, or whether the main objective that Plato was trying to achieve by writing the first dialogues was to conserve the memory of Socrates, by presenting his ideas, although from a Platonic perspective, while the later dialogues contain Plato's own distinctive ideas."
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Plato's "Allegory of the Cave", 2004.
Analysis of the significance of enlightenment in Plato's "Allegory of the Cave".
9,750 words (approx. 39.0 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 198.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the meaning of Plato's "Allegory of the Cave", explaining how it represents a pilgrimage of the human mind from ignorance to enlightenment. The paper begins with a biography of Plato's life and a discussion of some of the scholarly differences regarding the type of man Plato actually was. Next, the paper focuses on Plato's concepts of truth, reality, and knowledge as represented in "The Cave" and summarizes its dialogue. Additionally, the influence of Socrates's friendship with Plato and of his death on Plato's writing of "The Cave" is discussed in this paper.
Abstract
Introduction
The Allegory of the Cave - an Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Republic is written by the Greek philosopher Plato in 500 BC. It is said that Plato?s real name was Aristocles and that Plato was a nickname. Plato was the youngest son of Ariston and Perictione and came from a wealthy family who had lived in Athens for many many generations. Plato?s real father died when he was very young and he grew up in his step-father Pyrilampes house. History shows that Plato studied under Cratylus who was a student of Heracleitus. The most interesting and most talked about relationship of Plato is that with Socrates with whom he became friends while very young. Plato got to know Socrates through his Uncle Charmides who himself was a close friend of Socrates."
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Plato?s Truth, 2004.
A look at the meaning of truth through the eyes of Plato.
1,154 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how truth is not a new concept and how, throughout history, it has been demanded, examined ,and explored by many cultures and philosophers. In particular, it explores how Plato, who is considered one of the most important thinkers of all time, addressed truth in his writings. It looks at how, in the "Apology" during his five dialogues, Plato examines the meaning of truth and the importance of humans in the ability to tell the truth. It also examines Socrates's apology in the quest to explore Plato?s belief that being human provides the ability to tell the truth. It also looks at the obstacles that Plato believes get in the way of telling the truth.
From the Paper
"Plato addressed the fact that truth can become twisted and turned when it is fed to others over long periods of time. The speech by Socrates in the apology addresses this obstacle to truth when he discusses what he is sure they have been told about him long before they ever heard him speak. Truth can be blocked with this tactic. The lies can become the truth if the lies are spoken often enough and loud enough and with enough conviction by those who want it to be believed. This begins to illustrate the subjective ness of the truth as fantasy and fiction become a reality in the minds of those who believe it."
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Plato's Just City, 2008.
This paper looks at 'The Republic' by Plato and discusses Kallipolis, Plato's just city.
1,680 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer studies 'The Republic' and notes that Plato discusses his belief that there were two kinds of justice: political justice - justice belonging to a group of people operating as a city or state, and individual justice - justice belonging to a particular man. The writer discusses that Plato's strategy in 'The Republic' is to first explain the primary concept of political justice and then to draw an analogous theory of individual justice. The writer concludes that Plato maintains that the just individual goes hand in hand with the just society and if one is convinced that the just society is presented by Plato's Kallipolis, that is how one should live one's just life.
From the Paper
"Every state will require a class of warriors whom Plato calls the guardians. They have a military function. The auxiliaries are responsible for defending the city from invaders, and for keeping the peace at home. They ensure that the producers obey, and enforce the rules of the philosopher-kings. It is essential that guardians develop the right balance between softness and hardiness because they must not be bullies, nor can they be weak and ineffective.
"This leads us to how to properly educate a guardian. Plato states that nature is not sufficient to produce guardians. Nature must be amplified with education."
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Plato?s Laws, 2006.
An analysis of Plato's Laws as interpreted by Leo Strauss in "The Argument and the Action of Plato's Laws".
3,391 words (approx. 13.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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This paper presents a summary and analysis of Leo Strauss's interpretation of Plato's Laws, explaining that both Strauss and Plato introduce the reader to their ideas of perfection, which is composed of a society governed by divine laws, enforced by virtuous individuals, and filled with the promise of virtue of the soul.
From the Paper
"We may begin by asking ourselves; what is law? Certainly, this is a central question posed by Plato himself in his Laws, which Leo Strauss explores further in The Argument and the Action of Plato's Laws. It is clear that the entire reason for individuals living together in a city and establishing laws is to improve the lives of every citizen and the opportunity for happiness. Furthermore, it is apparent that man is not complete without having laws to govern him. If he chooses not to obey the laws set forth by society, he will end up as a savage or possibly cause his own demise. Strauss undertakes a mission of study to translate Plato's Laws; a work described as Plato's disillusionment with the idea of Perfection. He provides a critical view into a theory of political education within a democracy that is more a disillusion with politics than a discourse on the idea of achieving a perfect society. However, it is clear that a political education as described in this work should instill individuals with a means to self-discovery in order to find happiness of the body and soul."
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Plato's Theory of the Forms, 2007.
A description and analysis of the coherency of Plato's theory of the forms.
1,546 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Plato's theory of the forms and the reasons why Plato uses this metaphysical argument to justify how a state should be ruled and by whom. The theory is taken to its most logical endpoint a number of times to test its strength. Plato's technocratic viewpoint is mentioned along with the reasons why he held such views. Numerous criticisms are used and examined, which originate from Aristotle, Plato's pupil, and from Plato himself, with his later works also being touched upon.
From the Paper
"The basis of Plato's theory of the forms is that he "distiguishes between the experienced world that most of us think of as reality" and the "real world of the forms accesible only to philosophers" . The world that we ordinarily experience with our sences is just a "superficial reflection", or shadow of the real world of the forms, that remain invisible to all but the greatest philosophers. Plato explores not only objects such as a chair or a triangle, but also looks at such things as goodness and beauty. For example, Plato argues that beauty must be something quite different from the image of beautiful things."
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Introduction to Plato's "Apology", 2004.
A look at the main themes in the introduction to Plato's "Apology".
975 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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This paper expounds on the main themes in the introduction to Plato's "Apology". The paper looks at Plato's discussion of the irony Socrates used in his defense arguments at his trial, at Plato's discussion of Socrates's use of the Socratic method of teaching at his trial, and at Plato's discussion of Socrates's strategy of questioning the fundamental validity of his trial itself, rather than putting on a vigorous defense of his actions.
From the Paper
"The main themes of Plato's Apology are the great irony of many of Socrates' claims, his use of the Socratic method of teaching, and his surprising strategy of questioning the fundamental validity of his trial itself, rather than putting on a vigorous and elegant defense of his actions as was expected by both his supporters and detractors, and likely by the people of the jury. Plato's Apology is a detailed account of the 399 BC trial of the great philosopher Socrates, in which Socrates was on trial for his life after being accused by Meletus, an ambitious young Athenian, and others of the upper class of being "a doer of evil, and corrupter of the youth, and he does not believe in the gods of the state, and has other new divinities of his own" (Plato, Apology). Ultimately, Socrates? defense led to his death, by his own hand, and the silencing of one of the world?s greatest intellectuals, making Socrates a martyr to the cause of intellectual freedom."
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Plato and Imperialism, 2007.
A discussion of how Plato may have viewed the events of World War II based on his writings.
5,907 words (approx. 23.6 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 141.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the events of World War II in light of Plato's philosophical and ethical works. In particular, the author considers the incidence of imperialism during the conflict and how Plato might have viewed this. The paper first explores Plato's philosophical outlook and that of other philosophers who influenced him and then highlights and analyzes Plato's works "The Republic" and "The Allegory of the Cave." The philosophies of different scholars from different time periods are also analyzed in terms of Plato's outlooks. Additionally, the paper examines Plato's theory of forms and shows its link with Socrates. The paper concludes with an overview of three modern philosophers which include Emanuel Wallerstein, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Eli Wiesel.
From the Paper
"Plato deals with ethics in many of his writings. In particular, his informative dialogues about 'The Republic' and 'The Allegory of the Cave' deal with ethics in a rather abstract sense. Both of these writings will be mentioned here, and used to explain how Plato sees human ethics and behaviors. However, much of what Plato worked with and where his philosophy came from involved three other philosophers - Pythagorus, Heraclitus, and Parmenides. These three individuals will be addressed here, and after they have been discussed Plato's philosophy will be addressed in order to show how the work that they did was taken up by Plato and used in the philosophy that he discussed."
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Nietzsche and Plato, 2008.
This paper examines the themes of reality and illusion as presented by Friedrich Nietzsche and Plato.
820 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper explores Nietzsche's essay "On Truth and Lying in a Non-Moral Sense" and Plato's books 'VII' and 'X' of "The Republic" where both philosophers explicity explore the man's problematic relationship with reality and consciousness. The author points out that Nietzsche and Plato both argue that man lives in some state of deception or illusion; however, their opinions regarding the true nature of truth and reality differ substantially. The paper relates that both Nietzsche and Plato recognize there is a medium in which human beings are deceived: For Plato, this medium is the ignorance of the visible realm; for Nietzsche, it is the language and concepts, which humans utilize.
From the Paper
"To illustrate Plato's theory of truth and reality, he utilizes his allegory of the cave: he asks his audience to imagine a cave where prisoners sit bound in chains since childhood. The prisoners' lives consist of the observation of shadows, and these shadows are representative of copied forms. All in all, "the shadows of artifacts would constitute the only reality people in this situation would recognize." It is the cave, which to Plato, represents the visible realm, a world of ignorance and false reality."
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Plato and Luther.
This paper discusses the similarities in the writing of Plato in "Apology" and Martin Luther in "On Christian Liberty".
925 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 32.95
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This paper explains that Christianity inherited much of its ethics and discourse from ancient Greek philosophers; although Platonic philosophy and Christian theology differed in their scope, Plato and Martin Luther converged regarding the efficacy of faith. The author points out that salvation is central to both Plato's and Luther's writings; for Luther, salvation of the body and of the soul is attained through faith in Christ and Plato expresses similar sentiments, when rather than confess to crimes he was not guilty of, Socrates remains true to his faith. The paper relates that both Luther and Plato expound on the importance of obedience to the word of God for obtaining eternal salvation.
From the Paper
"Luther states, "For faith alone...bring salvation." More important than one's actions or deeds, faith clarifies an individual's devotion to God. Luther suggests that good deeds may be meaningless when they are performed without ascription to Christ. For Luther, faith is therefore expressed most strongly through a belief in the resurrection. The resurrection becomes the central symbol for Christianity and the most significant means by which a human being can express faith in God because of the inherent irrationality of the resurrection. For a human being to make the leap of faith that such a belief requires implies total and true devotion to God."
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