Is Republic by Plato good for beginners?

Plato’s “Republic” is as good a place as any to start. However, I find that my mind is better prepared for a deeper understanding if I read a summary of a philosopher’s text. This prepares me to better understand what a philosopher has written or thought.

Which of Plato’s works should I read first?

According to Iamblichus, for example, the First Alcibiades should be read first, then Gorgias, Phaedo, then Cratylus, Theaetetus, Sophist, Statesman, Phaedrus, Symposium, Philebus, and finally Timaeus and Parmenides.

Which book of Plato should I start with?

Without doubt I would recommend that any beginner start with the early dialogue, Euthyphro. It is short and easily read and re-read. It contains a foundational question of moral philosophy which is as relevant today as it ever was.

Can a beginner read the republic?

In terms of philosophy you don’t need any background since Plato covers everything he says quite meticulously so anyone can read it. A final note which you might already know is that even though Socrates is the protagonist in Plato’s dialogues, the ideas proposed by him in the book are actually Plato’s, not Socrates’.

Is Plato’s The Republic hard to read?

At a superficial level it is easy to read. But Plato is a profound and multi-dimensional writer—something the contemporary world is really not very familiar with, accustomed to, or expecting. At a superficial level it is easy to read.

Is Plato’s Republic a good read?

Yes. It is the single most important book in the western intellectual tradition. It is good for your brain. Plato’s answers are often wrong, but he asks all the big questions.

Should I read Plato’s Republic?

It’s a classic for good reason, so if you’re interested in ancient philosophy/politics at all, it’s a must read.

Is Plato hard reading?

Is Plato’s Republic a hard read?

Plato’s Republic is the real deal. It’s going to be a challenge—it’s a challenge for everybody. But keep in mind that even people who have been reading Plato for years find him difficult, so difficulty shouldn’t be a reason not to give the Republic a go.

Is the symposium hard to read?

The Symposium is fun and fairly short to read. Republic is an absolutely solid book even though I disagree with significant swathes of it. The style of writing and exposition makes it all very readable and enjoyable, depending on your taste as well as tolerance for arguments that might contrast with your moral compass.

Where to start with Plato’s Symposium?

Radio 4 did a really good introductory programme to it that seems like a really good place to start (they talk a bit about Plato and his relationship to Socrates at the start): BBC Radio 4 – In Our Time, Plato’s Symposium Phaedrus is the one that I probably know best; it’s the strating point for a lot of language theory.

What is the best order to read Plato’s dialogues?

Maybe -Symposium -Republic – Phaedrus/Gorgias – Theatetus, would be my list of what to read, starting with symposium progressing in that order. But again, each dialogue has themes, so it really depends on which aspect of Plato’s philosophy you’re most interested in.

Where can I find references to Plato’s thoughts in popular culture?

Pop culture references to Plato’s thoughts can usually be traced to individual chapters or letters. I’m not a particular expert, but I do have two picks for ya: Symposium is the one where a lot of the ideas are ones you might well recognize (loads of Ancient Greek nobles get drunk and discuss love).

What is the form of the good according to Plato?

Plato also believes that just as the sun causes things in the sensible world to exist and sustains them, so too does the Good cause the forms to be. Plato’s Form of the Good, then, is the ultimate principle of reality and truth and is the source of all order, harmony, beauty and intelligibility in the universe.