Plato’s Philosophy: Soul, Ethics, Politics, and Education
Anthropology: Plato’s Dualism
Plato presents a dualism of man, mirroring the duality of the world. Just as the world of ideas takes precedence over the material world, the soul, in Greek philosophy, takes precedence over the body. Philosophers have long pondered the nature of the soul. According to Plato, the soul possesses the features of the world of ideas: it is immortal, eternal, unborn, and unknowable through the senses. Conversely, the body is material, impure, sensitive, and full of passions,
Read MoreJohn Locke’s Political Philosophy: Natural Rights and Social Contract
Author’s Philosophy: The State of Nature
In his political theory, John Locke discusses the state of nature, a condition preceding consent to become part of a civil society. Locke argues that in the state of nature, men are free, equal, and independent, as opposed to theories of the divine origin of kings. Additionally, the state of nature is a state of liberty. Men are naturally subject to a mandatory universal moral law, and human reason is but a reflection of God and their relationship with men,
Read MoreDorian Gray: Sin, Beauty, and the Corrupting Portrait
Dorian Gray’s Descent into Darkness
Dorian Gray’s story begins with a desire to remain young and beautiful, a wish that is granted through a magical portrait. While he remains unchanged, the painting reflects his moral decay, growing increasingly hideous. When Basil Hallward confronts Dorian about his reputation, Dorian reveals the monstrous portrait, leading to a tragic act of violence.
To conceal his crime, Dorian enlists the help of a doctor through blackmail. Haunted by his actions, he seeks solace
Read MorePlato’s Theory of Ideas and Ideal State
Plato’s Theory of Ideas
As a result of conflicting views between Heraclitus and Parmenides, and based on the critique of Socrates towards the cultural relativism of the Sophists, Plato formulated his theory of two worlds, trying to give an intermediate response to the discussion of the two pre-Socratics. He posits that there are two worlds: the Ideal (that of reason: timeless, unique, continuous, stationary), consisting of Ideas, and the Sensible (the senses: changing material), consisting of imperfect
Read MoreAesthetics: Beauty, Nature, and the Eternal Forms
The Aesthetic and Its Problems
Diversity values (and their opposites) include moral, ethical, patriotic, charitable, pleasant, and useful aspects. However, other realities, such as health, the sacred, and family, don’t easily fit into these classifications. Beauty, both natural and artistic, often lacks immediate utility or commercial value.
There are at least three ways a person can relate to beauty and nature: through their own artistic creation (Art), and as a spectator of both. Aesthetics (Aisthesis)
Read MoreKey Concepts in Philosophy: From Anaximander to Hegel
Anaximander’s Apeiron
Who maintained that the origin of all was the Apeiron, the unknown? Anaximander. What was his opinion about prayer? He believed that everything was created and had to be other than what was created, and could not be as normal as water.
Anaximenes and the Arche of Air
Who believed that the principle, the arche, of all was air? Anaximenes.
Nous: Ordering Intelligence
What is Nous and what is its function? Nous is an ordering intelligence, not creative like the God Xuo, who created
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