Class notes on Plato

(Originally written September 19, 2006 in Book 10)

History of Philosophy I Class Notes

Plato (427 BC - 347 BC)

Influenced by: Socrates, Pythagoreanism

Major Themes

1. Dialectic
2. The Soul is Paramount
3. Theory of Forms (eternal ideas)
4. Learning is recollection
5. Virtue is the fulfillment of function
6. Justice is a harmony of parts

Justice

1. Ethical
2. Political

BK I

Thrasymachus: Justice is what is in the interest of the stronger party

Socrates: When a ruler makes a mistake and it is followed despite it being not in the strong's advantage.