Introduction to the Platonic Canon and Curriculum
Platonic Catechism Part 2
Plato's dialogues are his primary literary legacy. They consist of a series of philosophical conversations between Socrates and various other interlocutors.
Famous Works and Key Ideas of Plato
To start, we have Plato's seminal work, The Republic. Written around 380 BC, it stands as one of the most influential pieces in the history of philosophy. Delving into the key themes of justice, governance, and the philosopher's role in society establishes a foundational framework for understanding Platonic political philosophy or applying Plato’s key ideas in the real world. Through iconic elements such as the Allegory of the Cave, Plato illustrates his theory of knowledge, suggesting that most people exist in a state of ignorance, mistaking shadows for reality. At the same time, the philosopher transcends to grasp the eternal Forms or Ideas. Central to Plato's philosophy is the Theory of Forms, asserting that behind every worldly object or concept lies an ideal, perfect Form. This theory posits the existence of eternal and unchanging Forms, which serve as the objects of genuine knowledge. Plato extends this metaphysical framework to his exploration of the ideal state, proposing a just society structured like the human soul, with rulers, auxiliaries, and producers, each fulfilling their distinct roles in harmony. Plato's vision of governance in The Republic advocates for philosopher-kings—enlightened rulers who have undergone rigorous intellectual and moral training. Through mathematics, philosophy, and dialectic education, these leaders ascend to a higher understanding of the Form of the Good, which is essential for wise governance. The dialogue also introduces the concept of the tripartite soul, wherein reason governs, spirit supports noble pursuits, and appetite is controlled, reflecting the ideal balance necessary for both individual harmony and societal well-being. The Republic remains a timeless exploration of truth, justice, and the ideal society, reflecting on the fundamental questions of human existence.
Next, we have Plato's Symposium, a profound dialogue that delves into the metaphysics of love, desire, and beauty. Set at a philosophical banquet or a symposium, attended by prominent historical Athenians, including Socrates, the Comedian Aristophanes, and the General Alcibiades. The dialogue unfolds as each guest delivers a speech praising Eros, the Greek god of love. Through these speeches, Plato explores various facets of love and divides them into an ontological hierarchy, ultimately aiming to reveal its true essence and significance in human life. At the heart of the Symposium is love as a ladder of ascent toward the divine Love or Aphrodite Urania overcoming the base or animalistic lustful love of  Aphrodite Pandemos. The dialogue progresses through a series of speeches, each offering a different perspective on love. From the playful and comedic speech of Aristophanes to the philosophical musings of Socrates, the speakers present diverse interpretations of Eros, reflecting the complexity and richness of the human experience. Socrates, as portrayed by Plato, emerges as the central figure in the dialogue, challenging conventional notions of love and wisdom. He asserts that true love transcends mere physical attraction and is instead a yearning for the eternal and the beautiful. According to Socrates, the lover seeks to attain a higher understanding of beauty through intellectual pursuit and spiritual connection. Plato's theory of Forms is vital to understanding the Symposium, which posits that abstract concepts such as beauty, justice, and truth exist independently of the physical world. In this context, love becomes a means of ascending from the material realm to the realm of the Forms, where the ultimate beauty and truth reside. The dialogue also explores the relationship between love and knowledge, suggesting that love is not only a source of inspiration but also a path to wisdom and self-realization. Through love, individuals can transcend their limited perspective and better understand themselves and the world around them. Moreover, the Symposium offers insights into the dynamics of human relationships, highlighting the interplay between desire, friendship, and virtue. It prompts readers to reflect on the nature of their relationships and love's role in shaping their lives. Plato's Symposium remains a timeless exploration of love and its profound implications for human existence.
Plato's Phaedo stands as a profound exploration of mortality, immortality, and the nature of the soul, set against the backdrop of Socrates' impending execution. The dialogue unfolds on the final day of Socrates' life as he discusses with his devoted followers. At its heart lies the question of the soul's immortality, with Socrates arguing passionately for its eternal nature. Drawing on his Theory of Forms, Socrates presents four compelling arguments for the soul's immortality. The Cyclical Argument asserts that since the soul brings life and is imperishable, it must exist eternally, contrasting with the mortal body. Plato extends this analogy with the idea of opposites, likening the soul's withdrawal during death to the separation of fire and cold. The Theory of Recollection posits that our innate knowledge of Forms implies the soul's preexistence. At the same time, the Affinity Argument delineates the distinction between the immortal soul and the mortal body, affirming the former's continuity beyond death. Finally, the Argument from the Form of Life underscores the soul's participation in eternal Forms, ensuring its perpetual existence. Central to Socrates' discourse is the notion that philosophy serves as a preparation for death. He contends that pursuing wisdom and contemplating higher truths enable individuals to overcome the fear of mortality and embrace the soul's eternal journey. Through dialectical inquiry and the cultivation of virtue, one can attain enlightenment that transcends the physical world's limitations. Thus, Phaedo serves as a testament to the transformative power of philosophical inquiry in guiding the soul toward its ultimate destiny, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of the soul, the pursuit of knowledge, and the enduring legacy of Socratic wisdom.
Plato's Parmenides is a seminal philosophical dialogue that embarks on a profound exploration of the nature of reality and the complexities of metaphysical inquiry. Through the dialogue between the young Socrates and the venerable Parmenides, the reader is confronted with challenging questions about the nature of being and non-being, the existence of abstract Forms, and the problem of metaphysical unity and plurality. At its core, "Parmenides" grapples with the tension between the abstract realm of Forms—perfect, eternal entities that transcend the physical world—and the imperfect manifestations we perceive in our reality. Structured into two parts, the dialogue begins with Socrates presenting his theory of Forms, which posits that these abstract entities are the ultimate reality behind the material world. However, Parmenides, acting as the skeptical interlocutor, systematically challenges Socrates' ideas with a series of rigorous arguments. These objections raise fundamental questions about the relationship between the Forms and the physical world, the nature of unity and plurality, and the problem of infinite regress. As Socrates struggles to defend his beliefs against Parmenides' critiques, the dialogue unfolds into an exploration of metaphysical paradoxes and puzzles. The significance of the Parmenides lies in its invitation to engage critically with fundamental philosophical assumptions and its challenge to traditional beliefs about the nature of reality. By subjecting Socrates' theory of Forms to rigorous scrutiny, Plato encourages readers to confront the limitations of human understanding and to embrace intellectual humility in the pursuit of truth. Ultimately, the  Parmenides remains an essential text for anyone seeking the nature of reality.
Plato's Timaeus delves into the origins and nature of the cosmos while offering insights into metaphysics, cosmology, and ethics. It features a discussion between Socrates, the Pythagorean philosopher Timaeus, Critias, and the Syracusan general Hermocrates. At its heart lies a cosmogony articulated by Timaeus, who posits that the creation of the universe was created by a divine craftsman known as the Demiurge. According to Timaeus, the universe emerges from the Demiurge imposing order upon the pre-existing chaotic matter, reflecting Plato's teleological worldview wherein the cosmos is imbued with purpose and design. The distinction between the eternal, unchanging Forms (or Ideas) and the material world is central to Plato's cosmology in the Timaeus. The Demiurge, guided by intelligence and looking to the Forms as models, shapes the material universe into a rational and ordered structure. Influenced by Pythagorean thought, Plato emphasizes the role of mathematics as the underlying framework of the cosmos, suggesting that mathematical principles govern its structure and organization. This teleological perspective contrasts with purely mechanistic views of the universe's origins, inviting contemplation on the relationship between order, intelligence, and existence. Beyond its cosmological inquiries, the Timaeus also delves into anthropology and ethics, presenting a mythic account of human creation and pondering the nature of human beings within the cosmic order. The dialogue prompts reflections on human nature, ethics, and the pursuit of wisdom, intertwining metaphysical speculation with moral inquiry and inspiring centuries of reflection, interpretation, and debate among philosophers, scientists, and theologians.
Plato's Laws offers a nuanced exploration of governance, justice, and the ideal society. Departing from the utopian vision in The Republic, the Laws takes a more pragmatic approach, focusing on establishing laws and institutions within a realistic framework. At its heart lies Plato's quest to define the nature of justice and how it can be achieved in human society. Central to his vision is the "divine law," which transcends human conventions and serves as the ultimate standard of justice. Grounded in the principles of harmony and virtue, this divine law guides Plato's prescriptions for governance and the organization of the polis. Plato's exploration in the "Laws" extends beyond abstract philosophical speculation to address practical matters of governance and administration. He advocates for a mixed constitution that blends elements of republic, aristocracy, and monarchy, along with a system of checks and balances to restrain the excesses of power. Education emerges as a central theme, as Plato emphasizes the role of moral cultivation in shaping the character of citizens and fostering harmony within the state. His proposals encompass various aspects of civic life, from the organization of the legal system to the regulation of marriage, family, and economics. Despite Plato's aspiration towards an ideal society, Laws reflects his recognition of the limitations of human knowledge and the inevitability of imperfection in political systems. While offering a blueprint for an ethical society, Plato acknowledges the challenges and complexities inherent in governance by asking us to reflect on contemporary political discourse and see if there is a way to improve society towards the Good.
Plato's Apology captures the essence of the nature of truth, virtue, and the human condition. Written as a dialogue between Socrates and the Athenian jury during his trial, the Apology recounts Socrates' defense against the charges of corrupting the youth and impiety. Through his eloquent defense, Socrates elucidates his philosophy of living a life of inquiry and self-examination, famously asserting that "the unexamined life is not worth living." At the heart of the Apology lies the concept of the Socratic method, a dialectical approach to seeking truth through relentless questioning and critical thinking. Socrates' commitment to questioning authority and societal norms challenges readers to reconsider their own beliefs and assumptions, inviting them to engage in a deeper examination of their lives and values. Moreover, the trial serves as a powerful allegory for the tensions between individual autonomy and the demands of the state, raising profound questions about the nature of justice and the limits of political authority.
The Platonic Curriculum
Iamblichus of Chalcis, a prominent Roman Neoplatonist philosopher, crafted a Platonic Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to guide students through a series of Platonic dialogues in a progressive manner, each building upon the insights of the previous one, ultimately leading the student to master Platonic thought and move forward towards eudaimonia or human flourishing. Such a pedagogy was a prerequisite for the spiritual purification of eudaimonia and the practice of theurgy, the sacred rites of Platonism, which was the focus of the Academy under the Neoplatonist era of late Antiquity.
1. First Alcibiades: Iamblichus recommended that students start with this often-forgotten text. This dialogue focuses on self-knowledge and the importance of understanding oneself before engaging in the pursuit of virtue. It sets the stage for the rest of the curriculum by emphasizing the necessity of introspection as a foundation for philosophical inquiry.
2. Gorgias: In this dialogue, Plato explores the nature of rhetoric and its relation to philosophy. It introduces the concept of the soul's health and the importance of living a just life. Gorgias builds upon the themes of self-knowledge and virtue introduced in the First Alcibiades.
3. Phaedo: The Phaedo delves into the immortality of the soul and the philosopher's preparation for death. It expands upon the themes of virtue and the soul's health, encouraging the reader to contemplate the eternal aspects of existence.
4. Cratylus: This dialogue explores the nature of language and its connection to reality. It deepens the reader's understanding of metaphysics and the relationship between the material world and the world of forms.
5. Theaetetus: Then Plato investigates the nature of knowledge and perception. The dialogue challenges the reader to question what constitutes true knowledge and how it is acquired, further refining their understanding of epistemology.
6. Sophist: In the Sophist, Plato examines the nature of being and non-being, mainly through the lens of ontology. This dialogue builds upon the exploration of reality initiated in previous dialogues, leading the reader to contemplate the nature of existence itself.
7. Republic: The Republic delves into the ideal state, the nature of justice the forms, metempsychosis, truth contra ignorance. It synthesizes many of the themes explored in earlier dialogues, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the ideal society as an analogy for the perfected personal soul, as well as the role of the philosopher within society.
8. Laws: The Laws continue the exploration of political philosophy, focusing on the practical implementation of justice within a society. It complements the Republic by offering a more pragmatic approach to governance and ethics.
9. Phaedrus: This dialogue examines the nature of love and rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of philosophical discourse in the pursuit of truth and wisdom. It encourages the reader to reflect on the power of persuasion and the role of eros in philosophical inquiry.
10. Symposium: The Symposium delves into the nature of love and beauty, exploring the various forms of love and their relationship to the divine. It deepens the reader's understanding of eros and its role in the pursuit of the Good.
11. Philebus: In this dialogue, Plato explores the nature of pleasure and its relation to the Good. It challenges the reader to consider the ultimate aim of human life and the role of pleasure in the attainment of eudaimonia.
12. Timaeus: Timaeus presents Plato's cosmology, offering a mythic account of the creation of the universe. It provides a metaphysical framework for understanding the nature of reality and the role of the soul within the cosmos.
13. Parmenides: The Parmenides engages in a rigorous examination of the theory of forms and the nature of being. It challenges the reader to critically evaluate their understanding of reality and metaphysics, leading to a deeper appreciation of the complexities of existence.
The Platonic Curriculum that Iamblichus of Chalcis outlines presents a systematic approach to new adepts studying Platonic philosophy. His pedagogy guides students through a progression of dialogues that cover a wide range of philosophical topics, which allows the student to engage with these critical texts and develop a comprehensive understanding of Platonic thought. Accordingly, they are better equipped to pursue the philosophical life and focus on the spiritual purification of our immortal soul, known as eudaimonia. There are other dialogues of Plato that Iamblichus leaves out, such as the Apology, the Statesman, and the Critias. This is not to say they are not valuable. Instead, they act to supplement the critical texts outlined in the curriculum, providing additional insights and perspectives that contribute to a more holistic understanding of Platonic philosophy.