Phaedrus

Plato, Robin Waterfield (, freelance writer and translator)

$18.95

Paperback

In stock
Ready to ship

QTY:

English

Worlds Classics
25 June 2009

Literature, Poetry & Criticism; Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500

Series: Oxford World's Classics

'Some of our greatest blessings come from madness

Phaedrus is widely recognized as one of Plato's most profound and beautiful works.

It takes the form of a dialogue between Socrates and Phaedrus and its ostensible subject is love, especially homoerotic love.

Socrates reveals it to be a kind of divine madness that can allow our souls to grow wings and soar to their greatest heights. Then the conversation changes direction and turns to a discussion of rhetoric, which must be based on truth passionately sought, thus allying it to philosophy.

The dialogue closes by denigrating the value of the written word in any context, compared to the living teaching of a Socratic philosopher.

The shifts of topic and register have given rise to doubts about the unity of the dialogue, doubts which are addressed in the introduction to this volume.

Full explanatory notes also elucidate issues throughout the dialogue that might puzzle a modern reader.

ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

By: Plato
Translated by: Robin Waterfield ( freelance writer and translator)
Imprint: Worlds Classics
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 196mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 10mm
Weight: 135g
ISBN: 9780199554027
ISBN 10: 0199554021
Series: Oxford World's Classics
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 25 June 2009
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Phaedrus

The 450 articles have been written by an impressive array of world scholars, creating an appropriately global perspective. A brief time line of politics and helpful glossary of terms are appended, along with a reader's guide and index... The work is a solid and lasting contribution to the understanding of the issues that divide us politically. Highly recommended for its readability, scholarly content, and uniqueness. -- Kelli Perkins Library Journal 20050701 This two-volume set would be helpful to students with a renewed interest in politics. The writing is clear and concise. -- Laura Younkin 20060712