Plato: Complete Works

Plato: Complete Works brings together all of Plato's known writings, newly translated by leading scholars and edited by John M. Cooper. The collection contains 45 dialogues and 12 letters attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher. The translations aim for accuracy and readability while preserving the distinct voice and style of the original Greek texts. Each work includes a brief introduction providing historical context and key philosophical concepts. The volume presents Plato's dialogues in chronological order, from his early works featuring Socrates to his mature philosophical treatises. The collection includes major works like The Republic, Symposium, and Phaedo, as well as shorter dialectical exchanges. The dialogues explore fundamental questions about justice, knowledge, reality, and the nature of human existence that continue to influence Western philosophy and thought. Through his characters' conversations and arguments, Plato develops systematic approaches to understanding truth, morality, and the ideal structure of society.

Readers value this collection as their main reference for accessing Plato's complete works in one volume. The translations strike a balance between readability and academic precision. Likes: - Comprehensive footnotes and annotations help explain complex concepts - High-quality binding and paper holds up to repeated use - Index makes finding specific passages simple - Inclusion of spurious/disputed works provides full context Dislikes: - Small font size strains eyes - Paper is very thin and can tear - Some readers find certain translations too literal/academic - Limited introductory material for newcomers - No Greek text included Notable reader comment: "The notes and cross-references make connections between dialogues I never noticed before." - Goodreads reviewer Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (2,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Several professors report using this as their primary classroom text but recommend supplementing with additional background materials for undergraduate students.

The Basic Works of Aristotle by Richard McKeon This volume contains Aristotle's essential writings on metaphysics, ethics, politics, and natural science, making it a natural progression for readers of Plato's works.

The Essential Epicurus by Eugene O'Connor The letters, principal doctrines, and fragments of Epicurus present a philosophical system that emerged in response to Platonic thought.

The Stoics Reader by Brad Inwood This collection brings together texts from Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, who developed philosophical ideas that engaged with Platonic concepts.

The Pre-Socratic Philosophers by G.S. Kirk, J.E. Raven, and M. Schofield The book examines the thinkers who laid the groundwork for Plato's philosophical investigations and influenced his dialogues.

The Cambridge Companion to Greek and Roman Philosophy by David Sedley This comprehensive volume places Plato's work in context by exploring the entire scope of ancient philosophy from the Presocratics to the late Roman empire.

🔹 This comprehensive collection includes all of Plato's authentic works, plus works that have historically been attributed to him, making it the most complete single-volume compilation of Plato's writings in English. 🔹 Editor John M. Cooper spent over 15 years coordinating with a team of classical scholars to create new translations and revise existing ones for this volume, ensuring consistency in terminology across all works. 🔹 The book includes detailed notes on the chronology of Plato's writings, helping readers understand how his philosophical ideas evolved over time – from his early dialogues to his final works like "Laws." 🔹 Despite being one of philosophy's most influential figures, Plato never actually appears as a character in his own dialogues, instead using Socrates as his primary philosophical mouthpiece. 🔹 The volume weighs over 4 pounds and contains 1,838 pages, yet it excludes the spurious works that were once falsely attributed to Plato during the Renaissance period.