INTRODUCTION TO PLATO
The British philosophy Alfred North Whitehead once famously said that all Western philosophy can be understood as a series of footnotes to Plato. While Socrates is considered the "Father of Western Philosophy," it was Plato who demonstrated that philosophy was concerned with every conceivable aspect of life. In master-works like The Republic and The Phaedo, Plato addresses questions of metaphysics, epistemology, politics, religion, aesthetics, human nature, and life after death. Throughout the centuries, philosophers have agreed or disagreed with Plato's positions on these issues, but one thing that no one would deny is the significant role that this great thinker played in shaping the discipline of philosophy.
As you read, be sure that you are able to answer the following questions:
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