Sophist

Plato Plato

Maison d'édition: Memorable Classics eBooks

Synopsis

Sophist by Plato The Sophist (Greek: Σοφιστής; Latin: Sophista) is a Platonic dialogue from the philosopher's late period, most likely written in 360 BC. In it the interlocutors, led by Eleatic Stranger employ the method of division in order to classify and define the sophist and describe his essential attributes and differentia vis a vis the philosopher and statesman. Like its sequel, the Statesman, the dialogue is unusual in that Socrates is present but plays only a minor role.

Instead, the Eleatic Stranger takes the lead in the discussion. Because Socrates is silent, it is difficult to attribute the views put forward by the Eleatic Stranger to Plato, beyond the difficulty inherent in taking any character to be an author's "mouthpiece".

The main objective of the dialogue is to identify what a sophist is and how a sophist differs from a philosopher and statesman. Because each seems distinguished by a particular form of knowledge, the dialogue continues some of the lines of inquiry pursued in the epistemological dialogue, Theaetetus, which is said to have taken place the day before.

Because the Sophist treats these matters, it is often taken to shed light on Plato's Theory of Forms and is compared with the Parmenides, which criticized what is often taken to be the theory of forms.

Disponible depuis: 02/06/2022.

D'autres livres qui pourraient vous intéresser

On Human Nature

Arthur Schopenhauer

"On Human Nature" by Arthur Schopenhauer is a profound exploration of the fundamental aspects of human existence and the complex nature of our being. In this insightful work, Schopenhauer delves into the depths of human nature, offering profound insights into our desires, motivations, and the intricate interplay between reason and instinct. Drawing upon his keen observations and deep philosophical inquiry, Schopenhauer analyzes the inherent contradictions and tensions within human nature. He scrutinizes the complex dynamics between the rational mind and the irrational forces that drive our behavior, shedding light on the inner workings of human psychology and the often-conflicting aspects of our character. Read in English, unabridged.

Voir livre

Virtues of the Mind - Wisdom and...

Esther Jameson

This book offers an insightful journey into the mental virtues that enable individuals to lead thoughtful, mindful, and informed lives. By embracing Understanding, Prudence, and Reflection, we can sharpen our decision-making, navigate life’s complexities, and foster wisdom in every aspect of our daily existence.
Understanding is the foundation of knowledge and growth. This section explores how seeking a deep comprehension of ourselves, others, and the world around us can lead to more compassionate, informed choices. It highlights the importance of open-mindedness, empathy, and the willingness to learn.
Prudence is the ability to make sound decisions, weighing the consequences of our actions. This part emphasizes the importance of careful judgment, foresight, and discipline in navigating life’s challenges. Prudence helps us avoid impulsive actions and ensures we make decisions that lead to long-term well-being.
In Reflection, the focus shifts to the power of introspection. By regularly reflecting on our thoughts, actions, and experiences, we can gain clarity, refine our goals, and grow emotionally and intellectually. This section emphasizes how mindful reflection leads to greater self-awareness and personal improvement.
Together, these three virtues enable thoughtful living, making it easier to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom, patience, and discernment. This book offers practical guidance on how to cultivate these virtues and integrate them into daily life for a more fulfilling and thoughtful existence.

Voir livre

Beacons of Liberty -...

Elena K. Abbott

Before the Civil War, free African Americans and fugitive slaves crossed international borders to places like Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean in search of freedom and equality. Beacons of Liberty tells the story of how these bold migrants catalyzed contentious debates over citizenship, racial justice, and national character in the United States. Blending fresh historical analysis with incredible stories of escape and rebellion, Elena K. Abbott shows how the shifting geography of slavery and freedom beyond US borders helped shape the hopes and expectations of black radicals, white politicians, and fiery reformers engaged in the American anti-slavery movement. Featuring perspectives from activists and risk-takers like Mary Ann Shadd, Martin Delany, and James C. Brown, Beacons of Liberty illuminates the critical role that international free soil played in the long and arduous fight for emancipation and racial justice in the United States.

Voir livre

Queen Kunti Divine Yogini -...

Bhaktivedanta Swami

Queen Kunti, a tragic and heroic figure, emerges from an explosive era in the history of ancient India. Her teachings are simple and illuminating outpourings revealing the deepest transcendental emotions of the heart and the deepest philosophical and theological penetrations of the intellect.

Kunti is a major figure in the history of the ancient world. The wife of world emperor Pandu and mother of the warrior Arjuna—to whom Krishna spoke the Bhagavad-gita—she appears again and again in historical epics such as the Mahabharata and Srimad-Bhagavatam. Like other enlightened leaders of her time, her worldview was informed by a thorough understanding of Vedic wisdom literature. Thus she understood that Sri Krishna—Who happened to be her nephew—was none other than the Absolute Truth in person, appearing on earth to establish righteous rule over the planet.

At the conclusion of the devastating battle of Kurukshetra, Queen Kunti approaches Krishna as He prepares to depart for his home city of Dwaraka. Kunti's spontaneous glorification of Krishna and her description of the spiritual path appear in the First Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Srila Prabhupada wrote his translation and commentary on the First Canto in 1962—before coming to the West—but in a series of lectures given in the spring of 1973 in Los Angeles, he analyzed Queen Kunti's prayers in significantly greater detail and shed even more light upon them.

If truth be told from the dawn of creation it has been the female energy which from all life springs, is sustained, and propels us on in our timeless evolutionary journey to self. The powerful positive Shakti of the feminine energy invigorates, inspires, and enhances the finer propensities of life and reveals the subtle secrets of existence via its indivisible healing continence.

Voir livre

Was Muhammad Crazy?

Frédéric Joy

Through a careful psychological re-reading of the Qur'an and other biographical sources about Muhammad, the author identifies the pathological symptoms of the prophet of Islam. His diagnosis is unambiguous: the man suffered from a querulous paranoia with dissociative identity disorder. 
The author shows that Mohammed identified himself with previous prophets (Jesus and Moses in particular), whom he plagiarized. Adapting their words and deeds to the culture of the Arab world, he imposed these new doctrines on his people primarily through direct aggression and political manipulation. Yet, Islam was phenomenally successful during his lifetime and over the centuries. 
At this point, another question arises: How did Muhammad manage to convince the masses? The author then analyzes the personality of the submissive people and the success of this religion through the centuries. The author also deconstructs all the scientific and philosophical presuppositions behind the Muslim religion (cosmology, biology, psychology, etc.). Muhammad's moral and political discourse is confronted with its own contradictions.

Voir livre

Conquistadors: The Lives and...

Editors Charles River

During the Age of Exploration, some of the most famous and infamous individuals were Spain’s best known conquistadors. Naturally, as the best known conquistador, Hernán Cortés is also the most controversial. Like Christopher Columbus before him, Cortés was lionized for his successes for centuries without questioning his tactics or motives, while indigenous views of the man have been overwhelmingly negative for the consequences his conquests had on the Aztecs and other natives in the region. Just about the only thing everyone agrees upon is that Cortés had a profound impact on the history of North America. Of course, the lionization and demonization of Cortés often take place without fully analyzing the man himself, especially because there are almost no contemporaneous sources that explain what his thinking and motivation was. If anything, Cortés seemed to have been less concerned with posterity or the effects of the Spanish conquest on the natives than he was on relations with the Mother Country itself.  
	If Columbus and Cortés were the pioneers of Spain’s new global empire, Pizarro consolidated its immense power and riches, and his successes inspired a further generation to expand Spain’s dominions to unheard of dimensions. Furthermore, he participated in the forging of a new culture: like Cortés, he took an indigenous mistress with whom he had two mixed-race children, and yet the woman has none of the lasting fame of Cortés’s Doña Marina. With all of this in mind, it is again remarkable that Pizarro remains one of the less well-known and less written about of the explorers of his age. On the other hand, there are certain factors that may account for the conqueror of Peru’s relative lack of lasting glory. Cortés’s reputation was built on being the first to overthrow a great empire, so Pizarro’s similar feat, even if it bore even greater fruit in the long run, would always be overshadowed by his predecessor’s precedent.

Voir livre