| Author |
Plato, 428? BCE-348? BCE |
| Translator |
Jowett, Benjamin, 1817-1893 |
| Title |
Protagoras
|
| Note |
Reading ease score: 70.0 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
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| Credits |
Produced by Sue Asscher, and David Widger
|
| Summary |
"Protagoras" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written during the 5th century BC. The text centers around a conversation between Socrates and Protagoras, a prominent Sophist, as well as other figures such as Hippias, Alcibiades, and Critias. The dialogue's main topic explores the nature of virtue and whether it can be taught, juxtaposing Socratic thought with the perspectives of Sophists who assert that political virtue can be cultivated through knowledge and education. The opening of "Protagoras" sets the stage as Socrates recounts a visit from Hippocrates, who is eager to study under Protagoras, believing him to be the key to political wisdom. Socrates, however, urges caution and reflection on the dangers of committing oneself to a Sophist without fully understanding their teachings. When they arrive at the house of Callias where Protagoras is staying, they engage in a rich discussion about what Protagoras claims to teach: the art of being a good citizen and achieving personal and communal betterment. The dialogue reveals the tension between Socratic inquiry—which often challenges the certainty of definitions and claims made by Sophists—and Protagoras’ assertions regarding the teachability of virtue, setting the groundwork for a deeper exploration of moral philosophy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
B: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion
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| LoC Class |
PA: Language and Literatures: Classical Languages and Literature
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| Subject |
Classical literature
|
| Subject |
Socrates, 470 BC-399 BC
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| Subject |
Virtue -- Early works to 1800
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| Subject |
Sophists (Greek philosophy)
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| Subject |
Protagoras
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| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
1591 |
| Release Date |
Jan 1, 1999 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Jan 16, 2013 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
1636 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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