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Plato: Philosophy in an Hour

By: Paul Strathern
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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Summary

Philosophy for busy people. Listen to this succinct account of the philosophy of Plato in just one hour.

Plato is still seen by many as the greatest of all philosophers, inspiring many of the finest thinkers through the ages. Indeed, many see all later philosophy as nothing but attempts to answer the questions he raised. He founded the Academy, the world’s first university, in 387 BC and taught that the physical world is not reality but rather a reproduction of the true source.

Plato: Philosophy in an Hour is an audiobook with an expert account of Plato’s life and philosophical ideas – entertainingly written and above all easy listening. Also included are selections from his work, suggested further reading and chronologies that place Plato in the context of the broader scheme of philosophy.

©2012 Paul Strathern (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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Critic reviews

‘Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit about them . . .I find them hard to stop reading.’ New York Times

‘Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise’ Wall Street Journal

‘Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character . . . I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization.’ Boston Globe

‘A godsend in this era of the short attention span.’ New York Times

What listeners say about Plato: Philosophy in an Hour

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good introduction for beginners to Philosophy.

Where does Plato: Philosophy in an Hour rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

N/A

What was one of the most memorable moments of Plato: Philosophy in an Hour?

The most memorable bit must be, the writer's explanations to Plato's key theory of utopia.

What three words best describe Jonathan Keeble’s performance?

Soothing, clear, calming

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to it in one sitting. However, in my experience of reading philosophy, I have often take breaks to process understanding, to digest.This series, really explained the arguments and described in detail Plato's life and his contemporaries.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Informative

Was Plato: Philosophy in an Hour worth the listening time?

I definitely think this audio is worth listening to but it is not easy going. I found myself zoning in and out so would have to go back and re-listen. Overall though I did find it very educational and an interesting listen - I would recommend for those who like to educate themselves but are happy with an 'overall' picture as opposed to an I depth knowledge.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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See my comments

I like the style of presenting.
I disliked the way that the author has rather misunderstood Plato and his works on politics, specially on the Republic.

I recommend this book for those who have already read the Republic.

I chose gave it 4 stars over all mainly for the story not the judgemental statements on Plato and his works on politics.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

core information I was after

The only work I had previously read was Plato's Apology so it was good to see the detail being given to the relationship with Socrates, the influence it bore and Plato's development of his own ideas. The parable of the cave of course was covered. Particularly interesting was the exploration of Plato's ideas of state and society and how they were more in line with Nazi Germany or Stalinist Russia than the liberal Western Democracies. All in all, a good listen

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