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4.5
The philosophy of Plato as found in the Republic has certainly been analyzed, and debunked in many books, but this slim book by Simon Blackburn can be considered as a pleasant group of essays on Plato's philosophy. I've found that there is often a difficulty in the writing of short books on lengthy, complex subject matter. Mr. Blackburn rises to this challenge, and gives us a book that presents the essence of Plato's ideas in a style that is lucid and meaningful. This is no dry Cliff's Notes coverage.The title of this review indicates that the author finds serious fault in many of Plato's arguments. Words like "outlandish" and "tedious" pop up from time to time. The various chapters discuss such things as politics, art, truth, Plato's cave, and virtue.Let's take one topic, that of art. Plato felt that a painting was twice distant from reality. The painter cannot envision reality as it really is, and the painting is even less a reflection of the real world. Blackburn's point is that a painting, such as a portrait, can indeed express reality by showing an aspect of a person that is not readily noticed in the person himself. It can show the model to be humble, or proud; intelligent or stupid. So art has the capacity of telling us things just as language does.Blackburn states that because of the failure of many of Plato's arguments people like Leo Strauss have proposed that in reality Plato may have been hiding his teachings behind the apparent opposite. Strauss does, however, seem to accept the philosophical position that it is acceptable for the government to tell noble lies for the benefit of the state. In this regard Blackburn notes the recent comment by one administration official who said that the administration creates its own reality.Ultimately despite the many negative responses to Plato's views, the author commends Plato for the wealth of general ideas that pursue the question of how we should lead our lives, and how we should seek the truth. How quaint this may seem in our pop-culture that is filled with spin doctors.The author tosses in a few comments from time to time to show that he is no fan of conservatism, yet such remarks should not dissuade anyone from reading this fine book. Those quite familiar with Plato's teachings might not find much new here, yet still might enjoy this pleasant discussion. Philosophy novices will find this elegantly written book to be reasonably easy reading, and surprisingly quite entertaining.
