Plato's Literary Garden

How to Read a Platonic Dialogue

By Kenneth M. Sayre | Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

About the book

Plato's dialogues are universally acknowledged as standing among the masterworks of the Western philosophic tradition. What most readers do not know, however, is that Plato also authored a public letter in which he unequivocally denies ever having written a work of philosophy. If Plato did not view his written dialogues as works of philosophy, how did he conceive them, and how should readers view them? In Plato's Literary Garden, Kenneth M. Sayre brings over thirty years of Platonic scholarship to bear on these questions, arguing that Plato did not intend the dialogues to serve as repositories of philosophic doctrine, but instead composed them as teaching instruments.

Editions of Plato's Literary Garden

Hardcover
ISBN 9516521
Hardcover
ISBN 9780268038083
Paperback
ISBN 9780268038762
PDF
ISBN 9780268089658

Read an Excerpt

Plato's dialogues are universally acknowledged as standing among the masterworks of the Western philosophic tradition. What most readers do not know, however, is that Plato also authored a public letter in which he unequivocally denies ever having written a work of philosophy. If Plato did not view his written dialogues as works of philosophy, how did he conceive them, and how should readers view them? In Plato's Literary Garden, Kenneth M. Sayre brings over thirty years of Platonic scholarship to bear on these questions, arguing that Plato did not intend the dialogues to serve as repositories of philosophic doctrine, but instead composed them as teaching instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Plato's Literary Garden about?

Plato's dialogues are universally acknowledged as standing among the masterworks of the Western philosophic tradition. What most readers do not know, however, is that Plato also authored a public letter in which he unequivocally denies ever having written a work of philosophy. If Plato did not view his written dialogues as works of philosophy, how did he conceive them, and how should readers view them? In Plato's Literary Garden, Kenneth M. Sayre brings over thirty years of Platonic scholarship to bear on these questions, arguing that Plato did not intend the dialogues to serve as repositories of philosophic doctrine, but instead composed them as teaching instruments.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Plato's Literary Garden?

Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Philosophical traditions and schools of thought > Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy

Where can I read a sample of Plato's Literary Garden?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9516521

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Plato's Literary Garden?

Kenneth M. Sayre

Who is the Publisher of the book Plato's Literary Garden?

University of Notre Dame Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Plato's Literary Garden is available as hardcover(ISBN 9516521) and hardcover(ISBN 9780268038083) and paperback(ISBN 9780268038762) and pdf(ISBN 9780268089658)

Where can I buy Plato's Literary Garden online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Plato's Literary Garden?