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Loading... Acastos: Two Platonic Dialogues (edition 1986)by Iris Murdoch (Author)
Work InformationAcastos: Two Platonic Dialogues by Iris Murdoch
   None No current Talk conversations about this book.   )1   laytonwoman3rd | May 9, 2023 |  But what we have here are two fully functioning dialogues that work on multiple levels. There are lots of clever in-jokes for those readers who have read Plato and know something about his times, but so much besides that I'd recommend this book to anyone. (  ) Lukerik | Jan 28, 2018 | Late in each dialogue Plato erupts and can hold his peace no longer. In both manic episodes Plato frantically attempts to expound on what will be the foundations of his later philosophy, to the general derision of his audience. (Less Socrates, naturally.) The joke is on Plato, but, since Plato's 'silly' view has held such a prominent place in the history of Western thought, Murdoch invites us to wonder if the joke is on us? (  ) reganrule | Feb 22, 2016 | Better known for her novels, Murdoch was an accomplished philosopher, and this along with Fire and the Sun demonstrate her philosophic prowess. The two dialogues are connected by the questioning of young Acastos along with Plato and Socrates. Plato comes across as a brooding young philosopher, but Socrates is his familiar self, questioning and darwing out the young Acastos just as we have come to expect from Plato's collected dialogues. As an example of the gems from the book we find Socrates commenting near the end of the first dialogue, "perhaps the language of art is the most universal and enduring kind of human thought." This is a great short read for armchair philosophers. (  ) jwhenderson | Feb 20, 2009 | no reviews | add a review
"Witty and profound" musings on questions of art and religion from a celebrated novelist known for her philosophical explorations (Library Journal). For centuries, the works of Plato, featuring his mentor and teacher Socrates, have illuminated philosophical discussions. In Acastos: Two Platonic Dialogues, acclaimed philosopher, poet, and writer Iris Murdoch turns her keen eye to the value of art, knowledge, and faith, with two dramatic conversations featuring Plato and Socrates. "Art and Eros": After witnessing a theatrical performance, Socrates and his pupils--Callistos, Acastos, Mantias, Deximenes, and Plato--undertake a quest to uncover the meaning and worth of artistic endeavors. "Above the Gods": The celebration of a religious festival leads to a lively discussion of the gods and their place in society, as Socrates, along with several of his followers, talk about the morality of religion, wisdom, and righteousness. Told through vivid characterizations and lively discourse, Acastos is at once a "profound and satisfying" exploration of the Socratic method and an enjoyable example of theatrical writing from a Man Booker Prize-winning novelist known for her studies with Ludwig Wittgenstein and her philosophy lectures at Oxford University, as well as for such works of fiction as The Sea, The Sea and The Black Prince (Kirkus Reviews). No library descriptions found. |
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