Platonism

Platonism: Ancient and Modern (Sather Classical Lectures, Volume 14) presents an insightful exploration of the enduring legacy of Plato's philosophy, as viewed through the lectures of the esteemed classicist Paul Shorey. Delivered during his tenure as Sather Professor at the University of California, Shorey’s lectures delve into the historical and intellectual context of Platonism, capturing its profound impact on fourth-century Athens and subsequent generations of thinkers. With its detailed analysis of Plato's dialogues, Shorey examines their moral and intellectual vibrancy, from the philosophical discourses on love and beauty in the Symposium to the daring social speculations in the Republic. His discussions illuminate the ways in which Plato's ideas resonated with and challenged the intellectual currents of his time, including his influence on figures like Isocrates and his nuanced relationship with his contemporaries.

The publication, edited posthumously by Dr. Procope S. Costas, preserves the authenticity of Shorey’s voice and intellectual rigor, even as it captures the dynamic nature of his spoken lectures. In this volume, readers encounter Shorey’s characteristic blend of erudition and wit, as he situates Plato’s philosophical contributions within the broader history of Western thought. He engages with Plato’s critics, contemporaries, and modern interpreters, presenting a balanced account that is both accessible to general readers and valuable for specialists. This enduring work not only celebrates the timelessness of Platonic thought but also underscores the vitality of its interpretation in modern classical scholarship.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1938.