Book description
Philosophy for busy people. Read a succinct account of the philosophy
of Plato in just one hour.
Plato is still seen by many as the greatest of all philosophers,
inspiring many of the finest thinkers through the ages. Indeed, many see
all later philosophy as nothing but attempts to answer the questions he
raised. He founded the Academy, the world's first university, in 387 BC
and taught that the physical world is not reality but rather a
reproduction of the true source.
Plato: Philosophy in an Hour is a concise, expert account of Plato's
life and philosophical ideas - entertainingly written and easy to
understand. Also included are selections from his work, suggested
further reading and chronologies that place Plato in the context of the
broader scheme of philosophy. 'Well-written, clear and informed, they
have a breezy wit about them . . .I find them hard to stop reading.' New
York Times
'Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise' Wall Street Journal
'Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of
time, place, and character . . . I cannot think of a better way to
introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization.' Boston Globe
'A godsend in this era of the short attention span.' New York Times
Paul Strathern has lectured in philosophy and mathematics and now lives
and writes in London. A Somerset Maugham prize winner, he is also the
author of books on history and travel as well as five novels. His
articles have appeared in a great many publications including the
Observer (London) and the Irish Times. His own degree in philosophy was
earned at Trinity College, Dublin.
