The Development of Plato's Political Theory second edition

George Klosko, "The Development of Plato's Political Theory - second edition"

Oxford University Press | ISBN0199279950 | 2007 | PDF | 1 MB | 306 pages

“The relationship Plato posited between philosophy and political power changed from early to middle and middle to late dialogues. The Socratic philosopher, removed from the political world, gives way to the philosopher-king, firmly rooted in both worlds. In the "Laws" the king must only listen to philosophers. The changes here reflect the unmistakable movement from the politics of philosophy towards increasing emphasis on political institutions evident in Plato’s political thought as a whole.

The reasons Plato’s political thought developed in this direction cannot be identified with assurance. Questions of intellectual influence and causation are notoriously difficult, especially in the case of an author so far removed in time. And so I have not insisted on specific reasons why Plato’s thought evolved. But connections between changes in his political views and other aspects of his philosophy are obviously important.”

NO MIRRORS, PLEASE!