Robin Waterfield, an independent scholar and translator, shares insights from his groundbreaking biography, 'Plato of Athens.' He discusses the challenges Plato faced while influencing political leaders like Dionysius II and questions the authenticity of various letters attributed to him. Waterfield also draws intriguing parallels between Plato’s philosophies and figures such as Marcus Aurelius, while emphasizing the importance of making Plato's ideas accessible today. This enlightening conversation sheds light on the intrigue surrounding the great philosopher's life and legacy.
Robin Waterfield's biography 'Plato of Athens' sheds light on Plato's life despite the scarcity of personal autobiographical details.
The Academy, founded by Plato, blended teaching and social interaction, fostering critical debates that influenced subsequent philosophical thought.
Deep dives
The First Comprehensive Biography of Plato
The podcast highlights the significance of Robin Waterfield's recent work, which is the first full-length biography of the famous philosopher Plato. Despite Plato's enormous influence on Western philosophy, there has been a surprising lack of biographies dedicated to his life, primarily due to the limited autobiographical information available from his writings. Waterfield discusses the challenges in sourcing credible biographical details, pointing out that Plato does not articulate his personal experiences in any of his dialogues. The scarcity of reliable sources, such as his letters, complicates efforts to flesh out a comprehensive narrative of his life, resulting in a focus on major life events like his upbringing in Athens, encounters with Socrates, and founding of the Academy.
Insights into Plato's Academy
The Academy, founded by Plato, is described as a unique combination of teaching and research, fostering an environment that stimulated critical thinking and discussions among its scholars. Waterfield explains that attendance at the academy was not limited to formal classes; it included informal interactions where young men could engage in philosophical debates and discussions over meals. This blending of rigorous research and social interaction contributed to the development of philosophical ideas, where researchers like Aristotle could pursue their studies independently while probably being influenced by Platonic thought. The Academy's varied activities also included political engagement, as some scholars sought to address and resolve political issues in their hometowns, showcasing the practical application of Platonic philosophy.
Plato's Political Ambitions and Challenges
Plato's attempts to engage in practical politics, particularly in Syracuse, provide a fascinating aspect of his life and work. Waterfield elaborates on how Plato initially sought to influence the tyrannical ruler Dionysius II, hoping to convert him into a more constitutional monarch, which reflects Plato's famous assertion that philosophers should be rulers. Despite his ambitious political theories, Plato's efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrating the complexities of implementing philosophical ideals in governance. The discussion reveals the tension between idealism and practicality in Plato's political philosophy, indicating that while he aimed for significant reforms, the realities of the political landscape posed substantial obstacles to his vision.
They say all philosophy is but a series of footnotes to Plato. Yet the remarkable story of the great philosopher’s life has remained untold—until now.
On today’s Classical Wisdom Speaks, Anya is joined by independent scholar and translator Robin Waterfield to discuss his latest book ‘Plato of Athens’, the first ever full-length biography of Plato.
Separate fact from fiction and discover if Plato really died from not knowing a riddle, whether the so-called letters of Plato are authentic or not… and how Plato was like Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien.
ROBIN WATERFIELD is the author of many books, including ‘Plato of Athens: A Life in Philosophy’, as well as ‘Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations: The Annotated Edition’.
Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/
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