Plato and the Individual

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Metaphysics
Cover of the book Plato and the Individual by Robert William Hall, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert William Hall ISBN: 9789401193757
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Robert William Hall
ISBN: 9789401193757
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

In this study of Plato's theory of the individual, I propose to show that Plato is deeply concerned with the achievement by each person of the moral excellence appropriate to man. Plato exhibits profound interest in the moral well being of each individual, not merely those who are philosophically gifted. Obviously my study is in opposition with a traditional line of interpretation which holds that Plato evinces small concern for the ordinary individual, the "common man" of today. According to this interpretation Plato's chief interest, shown especially in the Republic, is with the philosophically endowed, whose knowledge penetrates to and embraces the realm of forms; this is a world which must remain for the common man an unfathomable mystery in its totality. Although he is unable to grasp the knowledge of the forms necessary for genuine morality, the ordinary individual may, if he is fortunate enough to live in a polis ruled by philosophers, gain a sort of secondary or "demotic" morality. Through the me­ chanical development of the right kind of habits, through faithful obedience to the decrees of the rulers and the laws of the polis, the many who are incapable of comprehending the true bases of morality will attain a second best, unreflective morality accompanied by happi­ ness.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this study of Plato's theory of the individual, I propose to show that Plato is deeply concerned with the achievement by each person of the moral excellence appropriate to man. Plato exhibits profound interest in the moral well being of each individual, not merely those who are philosophically gifted. Obviously my study is in opposition with a traditional line of interpretation which holds that Plato evinces small concern for the ordinary individual, the "common man" of today. According to this interpretation Plato's chief interest, shown especially in the Republic, is with the philosophically endowed, whose knowledge penetrates to and embraces the realm of forms; this is a world which must remain for the common man an unfathomable mystery in its totality. Although he is unable to grasp the knowledge of the forms necessary for genuine morality, the ordinary individual may, if he is fortunate enough to live in a polis ruled by philosophers, gain a sort of secondary or "demotic" morality. Through the me­ chanical development of the right kind of habits, through faithful obedience to the decrees of the rulers and the laws of the polis, the many who are incapable of comprehending the true bases of morality will attain a second best, unreflective morality accompanied by happi­ ness.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Frontiers in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book The Sociology of Return Migration: A Bibliographic Essay by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Physico-Chemical Behaviour of Atmospheric Pollutants by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Volcanic Successions Modern and Ancient by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book The New Era of AIDS by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Rights and Reason by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Handbook of Recording Engineering by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Evolutionary Theory in Social Science by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book The Existence Principle by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Spatial Analysis and Modeling in Geographical Transformation Process by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Effects of Accumulation of Air Pollutants in Forest Ecosystems by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Economic Impacts of Immigration by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Natural Processes and Human Impacts by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Nigeria: Its Petroleum Geology, Resources and Potential by Robert William Hall
Cover of the book Stone Cladding Engineering by Robert William Hall
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy