Plato

 
Plato Essay List
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Plato's 'Republic' / Platonic Utopia Through the ‘Philosopher King'
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A 9 page paper on The Republic. Plato discusses a utopian society ruled by a philosopher king, followed in importance by the spirit-warrior and desire-worker. The philosopher king is Plato's vision of the ruler of the republic. The philosopher king, the ruler comes upon his powers through various means, upbringing and through the study of Forms. This would then qualify him to rule Athens' utopia after a life of study in truth and justice and the other virtues. One primary reference cited.
Filename: Platokin.wps

Nietzsche And Plato
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The tenets of Christianity have been built on a foundation derived, to a large part, from the philosophies of Plato. Nietzsche was vehemently opposed to Christianity, and by extension, to Plato's most basic of ideas. He thought that the emphasis on the transcendental nature depreciated the value of corporeal life and the innate potentials of man. Plato felt that the striving for perfection in man was directly attributable to the a priori nature of both ideas and moral 'good'. This 4 page paper sets the two philosophers and their philosophies in debate. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: KTnzhplt.wps

Plato's Theory of the Soul
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An 9 page paper in which the writer supports Plato's theory that the soul is not only immortal, but also can be either healthy or sick. For Plato, a healthy soul is one that is in harmony with the cosmos and strives for wisdom and knowledge. An unhealthy soul cannot recognize responsibilities to the cosmos, and therefore, does not temper desires with reason. The writer supports these ideas using Plato's own texts, including 'Crito,' 'Phaedrus' and The Republic as well as several secondary sources -- all of which are listed in bibliography.
Filename: Platosou.wps

A New Version of Plato's 'Apology' -- Defense of His 'Republic'
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A 15 page paper which poses a new version of Plato's Apology, in which he, and not Socrates, stands accused, this time, of political treason and religious subversion, and for using his writings to explain and justify the necessity for total revolution. Plato serves as his own defense attorney, while Aristotle acts as prosecutor and charges are based upon the evidence provided in Plato's The Republic, in which authoritarian rule and loss of independence are justified. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: TGplapol.rtf

Plato's 'Republic' / Allegory of the Cave & Critical Thinking
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A 4 page examination of Plato's Allegory of the Cave, contained in Book VII of The Republic. The paper asserts that Plato's model helps us understand the dangers of accepting other people's views of reality -- a lesson just as applicable today as it was in Plato's time. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: Platcave.wps

Plato's Apology / Aristopanes' Clouds
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The trial and death of Socrates has been documented in the writings of his admirer and student, Plato. In Apology, Plato gives an account of the trial of Socrates before the Athenian court. Socrates has been charged with corrupting the youth, not believing in the Gods of the City and changing his religious alliance to other, new divinities. This 5 page paper compares the presentation of Socrates by Plato with the Socrates of Aristophanes and asserts that by simply denying that he has corrupted the youth, asserting that he has a personal oracle to which he gives allegiance and invalidating his belief in the Gods of Athens by believing that he can prove the oracle of Delphi wrong if he can find a person who is wiser than he. Socrates, by his own defense, or lack thereof, shows himself to be guilty of the charges. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Tophanes.wps

Friedrich Nietzsche and Plato
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This 5 page report discusses Nietzsche's criticisms of Plato and then what Plato's reaction would be to Nietzsche's theories and beliefs. Plato believes that good is an absolute. There is one vision or one conceptually agreed upon consciousness of good and it is applicable for all people regardless of circumstance. In contrast, Nietzsche believes in the relative nature of good. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BWniplat.wps

Plato's Crito, Apology, & Republic / The Nature of Truth
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An 8 page analysis of three of Plato's Dialogues, showing how Plato actually diverted our attention from the truth under the guise of revealing it. Considerable emphasis is laid on Plato's methods, with examples from the three works. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Critapre.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / The Epistemological, Ontological and Axiological
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A 10 page paper that suggests that Plato's Republic was created from a distinct historical perspective, demonstrated in Plato's epistemological, ontological and axiological world view. The writer explains how Plato's theory of knowledge develops with these characteristics in mind -- based on his almost skeptical perspective on Athenian society. Bibliography lists 10 sources.
Filename: Repub.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / Plato On Justice And Injustice
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A 4 page paper analyzing the concept of justice as a virtue, and therefore a positive good based on Socrates' arguments presented in Plato's Republic. The writer details Socrates' specific arguments and comments on them analytically. No bibliography.
Filename: Plato1.wps

Plato’s Criticism of Art
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Plato’s Republic is a narrative philosophical essay, a type of fiction, and yet, within the text of the Republic Plato attacks poetry because it fails to show that virtue leads to happiness. He argues that the need for drama in fiction creates the impression that an exciting life is more desirable than a virtuous one. This 5 page paper presents an interpretation of Plato’s thought’s on art. No additional sources are listed.
Filename: KTartplt.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / Utopia
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A 4 page paper that considers the essence of Plato's perfect state and reflects on the negative elements of Plato's constructs. This paper contends that the structure of Plato's utopia, including the distinct class system, is objectionable. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Plauto.wps

Friedrich Nietzsche and Plato
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This 5 page report discusses Nietzsche’s criticisms of Plato and then what Plato’s reaction would be to Nietzsche’s theories and beliefs. Plato believes that good is an absolute. There is one vision or one conceptually agreed upon consciousness of good and it is applicable for all people regardless of circumstance. In contrast, Nietzsche believes in the relative nature of good. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BWniplat.rtf

Plato and Aristotle
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An 8 page paper which discusses three differences of opinions held by Plato and Aristotle, in relationship to their individual philosophies. Despite the fact that Aristotle was taught philosophy in Plato’s school, his ideas and philosophical theories differed in many ways, from those of Plato. The three differences discussed are the idea of forms, poetics, and the existence of God. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: RApla-ari.wps

Plato’s Theory of Forms and Being and Becoming
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This 5 page report discusses Plato’s concept of forms and the ways in which a person experiences the act of being as compared to becoming. The two were distinctly separate concepts for Plato. Plato’s vision of reality and his distinction between “being” and “becoming” presents the changing world and the things within it as mere shadows or reflections of a separate world of independently existing, eternal, and unchanging entities called 'forms' or 'ideas.' Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: BWbe.rtf

Plato's 'Crito' / Fallacies In Socrates' Arguments
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The philosophies of Socrates are presented by Plato in his rendition of the circumstances surrounding Socrates' trial and death. Socrates was given ample opportunity to escape the death sentence by escaping to Thessaly. He chooses to stay and to abide by the decision of the court, regardless that it was incorrect. He presents his arguments to his friend, Crito, when he comes to convince him to escape. Plato was making the point concerning the duty of a citizen to abide by the laws but in presenting them as he did, through the dialogue of Socrates in a fictionalized historical account, there were inherent fallacies within these arguments 5 page paper critically examines the arguments presented. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Critop.wps

Plato's 'Phaedrus' / Philosophy Through Dialogue
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A 5 page paper that considers the use of the dialogue in Plato's Phaedrus as a means of demonstrating Plato's essential philosophical ideas, from love to the development of the soul. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Platp.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / Allegory Of The Cave # 2
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A 2 page explication of Plato's 'Allegory of the Cave' in which the writer defines the meaning of the light, the sun, and their relevance to knowledge & man's perception of his own environment. It is found that Plato's writing represents an interesting look at the ongoing struggle we face to understand and have knowledge of ourselves. No Bibliography.
Filename: Allegory.wps

Plato's 'Gorgias' / Socrates On The Plight Of The Unjust
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A 6 page paper discussing the life of the unjust according to Socrates as is written by Plato in 'Gorgias.' The unjust is often unhappy and lives a life filled with evil. Socrates describes the nature of the unjust and the just. He gives many examples throughout the dialogue of which some have been described below. some weaknesses are also discussed. Bibliography cites the URL from which the full text of Plato's work was obtained.
Filename: Gorgia.wps

Plato / Revealing The Life & Philosophy Of Socrates
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An 8 page factual essay that looks at the life of Socrates as revealed in the writings of his student, Plato -- and his Five Great Dialogues. The vagueness of where Socrates's ideas end and Plato's begin is discussed as well as the life and nature of Socrates. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Soc2.wps

Plato / Looking At Socrates Through The Great Dialogues
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The philosopher is looked at through Plato's eyes in this 5 page analysis of the man's arguments and style. Plato's The Apology, The Crito, and Phaedo are the three dialogues which are discussed in terms of Socrates's contemplation of the human soul. Socrates is also compared with other historical figures. No other sources are used.
Filename: Socsty.wps

Plato's 'Phaedo' And Theories On The Nature of The Soul
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An in-depth, 9 page examination of Plato's 'Phaedo' and the immortality of the soul. The writer goes into great philosophical detail-- analyzing Plato's recounting of Socrates' theories on life, death, and the nature of the soul itself. Inquiries are made into whether the soul is in touch with eternal reality.. Whether it can have ultimate knowledge, etc;. Specific quotes from Phaedo are cited throughout the essay.
Filename: Phaedo.wps

Plato & His Views on Justice
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A 9 page overview of Plato's life, contributions, theories, and philosophical importance. The writer highlights a number of key themes including Plato's views on justice as presented in 'The Republic,' 'The Gorgias,' and 'The Laws.' Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: Platview.wps

A Comparison of Plato & Two Early Greek Philosophers
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A 5 page research paper that compares Plato's concept of soul to the early Greek philosophers' concept of arche. The writer argues that Plato reconciled the conflicts of earlier approaches and expanded upon them. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: PlaThAx.wps

Plato's Theory of Forms & Wittgenstein's 'Notion of Truth'
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Plato's Theory of Forms outlined in a number of his dialogues including 'The Republic' and 'Parmenides,' is based in the perception of knowledge and the limitations of the senses. Plato recognized that man is limited by his sensory perception in an understanding of the natural of the world around him, and as a result, proposed the Theory of Forms in its initial sense to reflect a more complete understanding of the essential nature of the world based outside of the sensory and in the rational. Wittgenstein, in 'Notion of Truth' also considers the comparison between the actual and the perceived, and evaluates truth both as a component of basic understanding and an element directly correlated to the physical world. This 6 page paper reflects these concepts and provides support for components of both philosophers' arguments through the texts they created. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Platwitt.wps

Plato's Theory Of Forms & Modern Christian Thought
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A 10 page paper that provides an overview of the basic elements of Plato's Theory of Forms and then considers the implications of his concepts for modern Christianity. Plato's ideas are considered in relation to elements of the Bible as well as the modern writings of Paul Tillich and Alan Jones. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: Platfrms.wps

Plato -- Father of Totalitarianism ?
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A 15 page report that contains a review of the literature to support a discussion about whether Plato's philosophical theories in The Republic was the beginning of totalitarianism. The ideal government structure as envisioned by Plato is compared to modern day totalitarian governments. Bibliography lists 10 sources.
Filename: Platotot.wps

Political Leadership According to Plato and Machiavelli
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A 5 page paper discussing bot the similarities and differences between Plato and Machiavelli's views of political leadership. Bibliography lists 'The Prince' by Machiavelli and 'The Republic' by Plato as sources.
Filename: Plrpine.wps

Precis For Plato's Arguments In "Symposium" And "Phaedrus"
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5 pages in length. The writer discusses the notion of love as it relates to Gregory Vlastos' "The Individual as an Object of Love in Plato" in the book entitled "Platonic Studies." Annotated bibliography lists 10 sources.
Filename: TLCprecs.wps

Comparison of C.S. Lewis’ 'The Screwtape Letters' to Plato’s 'Phaedrus'
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A 7 page paper which compares British author C.S. Lewis’ book, 'The Screwtape Letters,' to Plato’s 'Phaedrus' to examine the three ways in which the twentieth century Christian thinker might have revealed himself to be a Platonist. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: TGlewpla.rtf

Plato's 'Meno' vs. Plato's 'Phaedo' / Is Learning Recollection
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A 3 page paper that provides an overview of Socrates' argument in regards to knowledge and supports his belief that man does not attain new information, but simply recollects things that the soul has known and experienced since the beginning of time. Bibliography lists no additional sources.
Filename: Menoph.wps

Plato's 'Republic' -- Tyranny # 2
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A thorough, 5 page explication of Plato's definition of tyranny and the tyrant. The writer covers all primary points raised by Plato and discusses the concept as presented from the beginning through the end of Book IX. No other sources cited.
Filename: Tyranny2.wps

Plato & Freud / The Nature of the Soul
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This 5 page paper that provides an overview of the basic arguments of Plato and Freud in regards to the nature and significance of the soul. This paper provides a comparison of Freud and Plato, and then relates the significance of this comparison to an understanding of the human essence. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Platfrud.wps

Plato & Aristotle / Use of Parmenides' Philosophy to Explain Reality
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This 5 page research paper examines how Plato and Aristotle regarded the Eleatic philosophy of Parmenides to explain reality. Specifically discussed is the concept of being as explored in Aristotle's Physics, Metaphysics, and Plato's dialogue, Parmenides. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: Ariplato.wps

Aristotle and Plato - A Comparison
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This 5 page report discusses and compares the major views of Plato to those of Aristotle. While Aristotle was his student, he debated virtually every concept put forth by Plato. This paper provides a brief review of some of their primary differences. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Airplatc.wps

 

Plato's Views On Democracy vs. Marx's Views On Capitalism
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A 5 page paper that very briefly compares Marx's thoughts about capitalism and alienation of individuals with Plato's views on democracy and the unjust individual or state that results from an imbalance in natural function. Bibliography lists four sources in addition to writings of Marx and Plato.
Filename: Marxdc.doc

Aristotle And Plato / Politics
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5 pages in length. The differences that exist between the political views of Aristotle and Plato help one to fully comprehend the expansiveness of political theory. While Aristotle was more of a benevolent statesman, Plato adopted a decidedly more stringent approach to the concept of governing. Assessing the comparison of these two distinct methods of bureaucratic rule provides for a broader understanding of the political process as it exists today. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: TLCaripl.wps

Disagreeing With Plato's Theory of Forms (Ideas)
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A 6 page paper which examines the arguments presented by Plato in his famous Theory of Forms (Ideas) featured in his classic political treatise, "The Republic," then considers arguments which disagree with Plato's conclusions. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: TGforms.wps

'Justice' As Seen In The Koran, The Old Testament, & Plato's 'Republic
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A 5 page paper discussing the foundation of justice as it applies in Islam ('The Koran'), Judaism ('The Old Testament of the Bible'), and according to Plato ('The Republic'). A dialog has been imagined between Mohammed, Moses, and Plato regarding the topic of justice. Bibliography lists five sources.
Filename: Justapp.wps

Plato and Machiavelli
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This 9 page report discusses the thinking of the ancient philosopher Plato and the 15th century political-philosopher, Niccolo Machiavelli. Considering each of the philosophers’ viewpoints on the human condition and the human nature (especially in a political context), the author of the paper supports the ideas of Plato over Machiavelli. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BWplamac.wps

The Trial and Death of Socrates – Comparing Plato’s Version with I. F. Stone’s
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This 6 page report discusses the trial and death of Socrates from its most accepted, classical version as written by Plato and the viewpoint put forth in 1988 by radical journalist I. F. Stone. Because Socrates died rather than yield any amount to men who asked no more of him than he stop voicing his opinions, Plato resolved to defend the memory of Socrates and to continue his work. Stone’s work suggests that Socrates was an elitist whose contempt for and condescending attitude the citizens of Athens essentially forced them to place him on trial, convict him, and sentence him to death for political subversion. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: BWifston.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / Views On Equality
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This 4 page paper considers the views of Plato on the issue of equality as presented in the text of The Republic. This paper considers the issue of equality as it relates to Plato's perspectives on government, politics, economic interests and equality of opportunity. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Platoeq.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / Views On Liberty
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This 4 page paper considers Plato's perspectives on liberty presented in The Republic. This paper evaluates liberty in terms of freedom of speech, belief and choice of vocation, and general perspectives on personal freedom within the constructions of Plato's polis. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Platolib.wps

Plato Vs. John Locke On The Question Of The Legality Of Marijuana Use
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An 8 page paper discussing the philosophies of John Locke and Plato as they relate to the question of whether or not a government has the right to tell citizens not to use marijuana. Bibliography lists three sources in addition to several primary works by both Plato and Locke.
Filename: Potplato.doc

Plato’s Republic: Books 1 and 2
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A brief 2-page overview of Plato’s Republic, specifically Books 1 and . Relates the intention of Plato’s compilation of a series of writings into tetralogies, groups of four. No additional sources are listed.
Filename: PPplato.wps

Jean Paul Sartre, Plato, & Hobbes / Comparative Philosophy
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7 pages worth of essays comparing the philosophies of Sartre with those of Plato and anticipating how one would criticize the other's reasoning. Sartre is regarded as more of a humanist than Plato and another philosopher -- Hobbes is also brought into the discussion as the writer makes relevant comparison between 'The Republic' and 'Leviathan.' No Bibliography.
Filename: Sartrevp.wps

Robert W. Hall/Plato
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A 5 page analysis of the Robert W. Hall's book, Plato, in which he conveys his understanding and passion for Plato while relating his philosophy to the modern world. No additional sources cited.
Filename: 99rwhall.wps

Plato: The Perfect City
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A 5 page paper which discusses Plato's attitudes concerning the rule of the state by philosophers, which he perceived to a concept for the perfect city as seen in his work Republic. The paper uses his story of the cave as an illustration of his theories concerning a perfect state. The text used is Plato's Republic. No additional sources cited.
Filename: RApltcity.wps

A Critical Analysis of Plato’s “The Republic”
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A 6 page paper which provides a critical analysis of 'The Republic' by Plato, but is intended to supplement the text, not be a substitute for the text, specifically consider the opinions of other scholars to determine Plato’s intentions and motivations behind writing 'The Republic.' Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: TGplarep.wps

Plato, Aristotle, and Justice
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This 6 page report discusses Plato’s examination of the nature of justice. It then considers Aristotle’s concept of differing types of justice. In any discussion or comparison of Aristotle and Plato, there are certain factors that it is important to understand. Philosophically, the works of Aristotle reflect his gradual departure from the teachings of Plato and his adoption of a new approach. Unlike Plato, who delighted in abstract thought about a supra-sensible realm of forms, Aristotle was intensely concrete and practical, relying heavily upon sensory observation as a starting-point for philosophical reflection. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: BWjustpa.wps

Plato's View Of Human Nature
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A 5 page paper that discusses Plato's Republic and the concept of justice, good and human nature. Plato compares the individual's soul to the society, finding in both the same types of corruption. He talks about the Good City and how that can be established. These ideas are discussed. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: PGplarep.wps

Plato on Education
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This 5 page paper looks at the philosophy of Plato regarding education of the young and old. Plato held that education was the responsibility of the state and should be used as a tool to mould children to their future role in society. Considered are the role and aims of the educational programme as well as it contents and application. The bibliography cites 3 sources.
Filename: TEplato.wps

Analyzing Frederick Douglass, Machiavelli, Lao-Tzu, Karl Marx & Plato to Determine What Went Wrong in America
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A 5 page paper which considers ‘what went wrong’ in America by considering the writings of Frederick Douglass, Lao-Tzu, Niccolo Machiavelli, Karl Marx, and Plato, specifically examining 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave;' 'Tao-te ching;' 'The Prince;' 'The Communist Manifesto;' and Plato’s 'Allegory of the Cave' in Book VII of 'The Republic.' Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: TGslaves.rtf

Plato and Aristotle on Forms
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5 pages. This essay briefly discusses Plato's form theory. Aristotle's critique of Plato's theory is also included, and the two are compared. Based on Phaedro, Parimedes, Republic, Symposim and Metaphysics.
Filename: Plaforms.wps

The Logic of Morality / Plato's 'Republic'
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A 5 page analysis of the first two books of Plato's 'Republic.' The writer shows how Plato reveals a basis for understanding justice through an extended dialogue between Socrates and various other Greeks. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Morlog.wps

Plato's 'Republic' -- Tyranny
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A complete, 4 page discussion of tyranny as presented in Plato's 'Republic' -- Book IX. A complete evaluation of the philosophers' definition of tyranny is presented -- emphasizing key points made by Plato. No other sources are cited.
Filename: Tyranny.wps

 

Hannah Arendt/Between Past and Future
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A 15 page analysis of Hannah Arendt's Between Past and Future. According to Arendt, the beginnings of Western thought began specifically in Plato's allegory of the cave, from The Republic. This compelling allegory was designed by Plato as the basis for his argument that society should be ruled by the king-philosopher, the man who had the knowledge to rule wisely based on his knowledge of philosophy. In Between Past and Future, Arendt explores the ramifications of what Plato says happened once the enlightened man reenters the cave, which is, of course, ordinary human society. No additional sources cited.
Filename: 90arendt.wps

Conducting 'Business by the Book'
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A 5 page paper discussing the superiority of Christian ethics and values in operation of daily business over that of either pure Jewish or Platonic principles. The Christian view is one that holds forgiveness in higher esteem either than Jewish or Platonic tradition, and is one that is more flexible than Jewish law or Plato's lengthy and sometimes circuitous rhetoric. Today's business is too fast-moving and straightforward to make full use of either historical law or extensive rhetoric. Christianity's emphasis on personal responsibility without condemnation of others and exhortation to coexist in peace with others also is a requirement of successful business today Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: Bookbib.wps

The Concept of Justice as Viewed by Plato, John Stewart Mill, and Immanuel Kant
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A 7 page contention that justice is more than just law, justice is the product of morals and ethics. Utilizes the Platonic model from Plato's Republic, John Stewart Mill's theory of utilitarianism, and Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative of reason to illustrate this contention. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: PPjustic.wps

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, Education and Leadership; the Implications for the State.
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A five page paper which looks at the principles underlying the concepts of enlightenment, responsibility and leadership in Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and the qualities which Plato perceives as essential for the foundation and internal cohesion of the State, with regard to the role of the philosopher in interacting with and guiding the people towards the acquisition of truth and virtue. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: JLplatocave.wps

The Immortality of the Human Soul: A Defense of Platonic Thought
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An 8 page discussion of Plato’s contention that the soul is immortal. Outlines Plato’s view of the soul (including several quotes from the “Phaedo”) and presents his arguments justifying that view. Notes that these arguments have been the point of much contention among those that disagree with Plato. Presents examples of arguments designed to disprove Plato’s concept of an immortal soul. Points out the errors in each concluding that the soul is intangible but that just as molecules, whether those molecules comprise hamburger meat, cardboard, or water, continue to exist past the point that they are intermixed either with themselves or other material, the soul persist immortally. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: PPplatoS.wps

Plato, Hobbes & Kant / A Fictional Discourse On Crime & Punishment
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A 6 page paper that provides a hypothetical discourse between Plato, Hobbes and Kant regarding their take on crime and punishment. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: Platetal.wps

Plato's 'Philebus'
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This 5 page analytical discussion of 'Philebus' looks at the work itself, as well as the message Plato is trying to share and the point of the writing. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Philebus.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / Allegory of the Cave & Kaku's Theory Of the Universe
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A 5 page paper discussing the possibility that Plato's 'Allegory of the Cave' is similar to the situation human beings find themselves in when facing the complexities of the universe. Different ways of viewing, understanding, and using information changes everything within the sphere of any given existence. Bibliography lists three sources.
Filename: Cave.doc

Plato's 'Phaedo' / The Immortal Soul
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A 2 page paper that provides an overview of the premise of the immortal soul as presented by Socrates in Plato's Phaedo. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Imtlsoul.wps

Plato's 'Meno' / The Paradox of Socrates
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A 3 page paper that provides an overview of Socrates' paradox of inquiry and considers the elements that apply to recollection and wrongdoing within the paradox outlined in Plato's 'Meno.' No additional sources cited.
Filename: Paradox.wps

Virgil's 'Aeneid' & Plato's 'Republic'
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A 2 page essay on fact vs. fiction in Virgil's 'Aeneid' and Plato's 'Republic.' No outside references listed.
Filename: Aeneas2.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / The State -- Rulers & Followers
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A 9 page paper that considers Plato's design of the polis and his premise about the necessary leaders in the 'Republic.' Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: Platstat.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / The Noble Myth
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A 3 page paper that describes the Noble Myth of Socrates, also known as the Myth of Metals, in Plato's Republic. The writer suggests that Socrates' concepts about class determinations would not be well supported by the working class of Athens.
Filename: Noblemyt.wps

Plato's 'Republic' and the True Essence of Things
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This 5 page report discusses Plato's 'Republic' and what Socrates explains is the real essence of things or the real essence of the world is the realm of ideals. The realm of ideals is the real world, unchanging and eternal, which can be known by thought. Things, in and of themselves, exist only in terms of having been perceived. The physical world or the 'world of things,' the 'cosmos,' is the world of becoming. It is grasped by opinion and sense-perception. No secondary sources.
Filename: BWessenc.rtf

Plato's 'Republic' / Allegory of the Cave -- Shadows Seen By Prisoners
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This 5 page research paper examines Plato's 'Allegory of the Cave' metaphor in Book VII of The Republic. Specifically discussed are the parallels between the shadows the prisoners see on the wall of the cave and the illusion which passes off as truth in today's technological society. Bibliography lists one source.
Filename: Allecave.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / Allegory of the Cave
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A 3 page essay that provides an overview of the Allegory of the Cave in Book VII of Plato's Republic. This paper suggests that Socrates proposed the Allegory as a way of demonstrating the importance of philosophers in demonstrating knowledge and truth.
Filename: Cave.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / Use Of Forms & Objects
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This 5 page paper explores Plato's use of forms and objects in the metaphoric 'Divided Line' and 'Allegory of the Cave' in The Republic Books VI and VII respectively.
Filename: Divall.wps

Plato's 'Gorgias'
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A 5 page paper that demonstrates Socrates' arguments in Plato's Gorgias. The writer reflects on Socrates' contention that oration is closer to flattery than to philosophy. Bibliography lists no additional sources.
Filename: Gorgias.wps

Plato's 'Phaedo' / Mechanistic Model of the Mind
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A 3 page paper that provides an overview of the arguments that Socrates would design against the mechanistic model of the mind and relates these in terms of Plato's 'Phaedo.' Bibliography lists no additional sources.
Filename: Mechmind.wps

Plato's 'Euthyphro,' 'The Apology,' 'Crito,' & 'Phaedo'
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A 5 page essay that summarizes the content and basic philosophies of these well-known dialogues by Plato.
Filename: 3plato.wps

Plato's 'Protagoras' / Is Virtue One or Many ?
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A 3 page paper that provides and overview of the arguments of Socrates and Protagoras presented in Plato's Protagoras regarding the separate elements of virtue, including wisdom, temperance, courage, justice, and holiness.
Filename: Protag.wps

Plato vs. John Rawls On The Concept of Justice
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One component of the definition of justice is the final outcome of the process of law, or the Judicial system whereby justice is distributed by the State. By this definition, justice is the mechanical process of the structure of law - set in place and agreed to by the people of the State. Another definition is concerned with the value inherent in 'just' behavior. Simplistically defined, this is synonymous with 'fair.' The grown-up word for this same concept is 'equity.' One distinction between these two definitions is the difference between an individual viewpoint and the larger view of society. Either view incorporates the concept of moral judgment; 'good' as opposed to bad.' This 7 page paper explores the concept of justice as presented by Plato and by John Rawls. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: Platoraw.wps

Plato's View Of Death
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For most individuals, the questions of what came before this life and what will happen after death are the basis for the quest for truth. Many of the moral traditions of society incorporate the concept of a pre-existence and an afterlife as well as the belief that one is rewarded for a virtuous life and punished for a life lived unjustly. This 7 page paper asserts that Plato is presenting a number of concepts inherent to his belief concerning death within The Republic and Phaedo. No additional sources are listed.
Filename: KTdeathp.wps

Plato's 'Apology' -- Socrates' Defense
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A 5 page, in-depth discussion of Plato's 'Apology'-- in which the writer explains Socrates' entire defense and its relevance to the socio-political climate of his day. Socrates' logic is analyzed in considerable detail. Bibliography lists 3 supporting sources.
Filename: Socrapol.wps

Plato's 'Republic' / Dion As A Philosopher King
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A 20 page paper discussing Plato's efforts to train Dion II of Syracuse as a philosopher-king. What were the historical factors involved and why was the effort to train Dinonysius the Younger a failure? Bibliography lists nine sources.
Filename: Dionp.wps

Plato's Dialogues / Studying Socrates Through The Eyes Of His Student
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A 3 page paper that provides an overview of important points that are relative to the study of Socrates and can be derived from considering Plato's 'Meno', 'Protagoras' and 'Phaedo.' No additional sources cited.
Filename: Stsocrt.wps

Plato's Dialogues
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A 5 page essay on three of Plato's Dialogues -- Crito, the Apology, and the Republic, -- analyzing the main thrust of Socrates' arguments in each. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Dialogu.wps

National Philosophy Day: Plato, Descartes and Wittgenstein on Proving God
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A 6 page paper developed around the hypothetical declaration of ‘National Philosophy Day' -- relating the arguments of Plato, Descartes, and Wittgenstein, all brought to the present by a time machine, and their considerations regarding the existence of God. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: Natphild.wps

 

Confucius vs. Plato / Their Ideas On Society & State
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This 11 page research paper compares and contrasts the views of Confucius and Plato on society and the creation of a ruling state. Specifically discussed are the nature of man in terms of good and evil, what role, if any, a higher power plays; whether or not morality can be learned; and the purpose of the state and qualities of its leaders. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: Conplato.wps

Lun Yü of K'ung Fu-Tzu / Analects Of Confucius vs. Theories Of Plato
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An 8 page paper discussing the Lun Yu, also known as 'the Analects' of Confucius and comparing them to the views of Plato regarding the reformation of society. Bibliography lists five sources.
Filename: Lunyu.wps

The Philosophies Of Plato -- Applied To Today's Affirmative Action Debate
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A 10 page paper discussing affirmative action from the philosophical perspective of Plato. Both sides of the debate over affirmative action are briefly presented. Bibliography lists six sources.
Filename: Affpoli.wps

The Theme of Innocence in Plato's Apology.
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(5 pp) In Plato's Apology, Socrates defends his actions or his innocence against the charges placed against him. This discussion examines whether Plato is presenting him as innocent of those charges, or presenting Socrates is actually "the Innocent." Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: BBplatoi.doc

Anthropology in the Works of Plato and Augustine
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A five page paper analyzing both Platonic and Augustinian thought in terms of its application to anthropology. The paper points out that neither philosopher had any concept of the scientific method, and questions how much of their ideology can be considered applicable to the field of anthropology today. Bibliography lists five sources.
Filename: KBplato5.wps

Plato, Aristotle, and St. Augustine on a Contemporary Issue: Drug Abuse
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A ten page paper explaining the philosophies of these three seminal thinkers in great detail, and speculating about their opinions on the issue of drug abuse in our own day. The paper concludes that Aristotle provided the best way of looking at the situation from a broad, organizational level, while a combination of the Platonic and Augustinian approaches work best when working with individuals seeking to change their lives. Bibliography lists seven sources.
Filename: KBclssic.wps

Plato and Aristotle / Concepts of Rulership Within The Polis
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A 10 page paper that considers the concept of rulership as presented by Plato and his student Aristotle. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: Polis.wps

 

Plato and Aristotle, A Definition of Virtue
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This 6 page paper looks at the continuity of thought within the discourses of Plato and Aristotle in relationship to the concept of 'virtue.' Bibliography lists five sources.
Filename: Platoa.wps

Plato and Aristotle / Philosophical Inquiry
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A 5 page paper that provides an overview of Aristotle and Plato's processes of philosophical inquiry as they related to an understanding of the soul and the virtue. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: Plar.wps

Plato, David Hume, John Stuart Mill & Immanuel Kant on Capital Punishment
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A 7 page paper which examines the ancient Greek philosophical view of capital punishment, as espoused by Plato, and then considers the European perspectives of David Hume, John Stuart Mill, and Immanuel Kant. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: TGcappun.wps

Human Nature: Plato And The Five Dialogues
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6 pages in length. Is it possible, according to Plato's viewpoint, for human nature to be "released from forms" and still be considered human nature according to the five dialogues between Socrates, Crito, Meno, Phaedo and Euthyphro? In assessing this plausibility, one must first harbor a distinct understanding of just what human nature represents in relation to man's actions. It has long been postulated that human nature is bound by defense mechanisms as a means by which to hide from the truth of reality. If this is so, then most any conduct in which humanity partakes is nothing more than an act of escapism. Is that to say, then, that human nature is bound by the weakness of man's character? Can individualism reside at the crux of why human nature cannot be released from form and still be construed as human nature based upon conversations with Socrates, Crito, Meno, Phaedo and Euthyphro? Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: TLChmnat.wps

Plato, Music And Advertising
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This 11 page paper provides a comparison of Plato's theory of music utilization and the use of music in advertising. Bibliography lists 11 sources.
Filename: KTmuspto.wps

Justice in Plato's "Republic"
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A six page paper looking at this Socratic dialogue in terms of its analysis of justice. The paper breaks down Socrates' entire argument as presented in Book I, and shows how Plato used logical deduction to render an abstract argument in concrete terms. No additional sources.
Filename: KBplato4.wps

The Big Three: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle
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(8 pp). Three major philosophers are associated with the development of man's intellectual reasoning and thought; they are Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Commonalities link all three, yet definite differences do exist. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: BBphilsR.doc

Plato and Machiavelli on War
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A 7 page paper which discusses how Plato and Machiavelli regarded the act of war. For the most part both philosophers were very clear in illustrating how and why war existed, yet somewhat more vague in terms of presenting their personal opinions regarding war, though the intent appears to be that those who seek a higher level of consciousness or being have little or no need for warfare. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: RAplatowar.wps

The Paradox of Learning in Plato's Meno
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This 6.5 page paper considers the nature of how we learn; disputing the idea of Plato as found in Meno that man does not attain new information but simply recollects it from a soul-base. Modern brain studies are examined as are researched educational learning styles. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BBplapdx.doc.

Is Plato’s 'Theaetetus' Confusing?
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A 5 page paper which examines Plato’s 'Theaetetus' to determine whether it is, as author David Bostock concluded, ‘simply a muddle’ of arguments which confuse the reader. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Filename: TGplathe.rtf

Plato on Virtue in 'Meno' & 'Protagoras'
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A 5 page paper which examines Plato’s views on virtue, whether he believed it could be taught, and if so, how, by considering two of his writings, 'Meno' and 'Protagoras.' Bibliography lists 12 sources.
Filename: TGplavir.rtf

Comparison Between Socrates’ View of Love in Plato’s 'Symposium' With Contemporary Idea of Love
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A 6 page paper which compares Socrates’ view of love, as interpreted by Plato in 'Symposium,' with the contemporary concept of love. After critical evaluation, the two viewpoints are then integrated into an example of an ideal of love, which is probed through supporting and opposing arguments. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: TGsoclov.rtf

Plato and the Role of Soul in “Phaedo” and “Republic”
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A 10 page research paper on Plato’s philosophy on the soul as it relates to individual and state harmony. The author explores the idea of soul as prisoner, and the progress beyond that state. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: Cnsoulpl.wps

Bertrand Russell on Plato's Attempts to Account For Knowledge of the Nature of Reality
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A 3 page paper which contemplates what Bertrand Russell would think of Plato's attempts to account for our knowledge of the nature of reality. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: TGruspla.wps

Comparisons of Plato and C.S. Lewis' Screwtape
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A 6 page paper comparing the two works. C. S. Lewis is known for his Christian writing, both overt and more veiled forms. The Screwtape Letters most assuredly are the finest example of Lewis' overt Christian work in that Screwtape, demon supreme, writes letters of instruction to his nephew Wormwood, who is on assignment to gain a particular soul for satan's collection. Plato of course is pre-Christian, but he does give credence to the ancient Greek gods. While he grants gods at least part of their due, he is certain that responsibility for goodness and moral behavior is attributable to the worth of the individual, is determined by the individual without outside influence. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: KSlewis.doc

Plato and Hobbes Look at the U.S. Health Care Industry
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This 10 page report discusses a philosophical perspective on problems in the American health care industry as they would be viewed by both the ancient philosopher Plato and Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679). Because nothing short of a revolution in the basic beliefs on which healthcare is based must take place in order to get back to a realistic and workable framework for human health and the actual facilitation of the process of caring for people’s health needs, it is interesting to apply some of the thinking of two of the Western world’s great philosophers. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BWplahlt.wps

Plato and Rousseau: Related by Analogy
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(5 pp) An "analogy" according to Mr. Webster, is an inference that if two or more things agree in some respects they will probably agree in others - a likeness between things that are unlike. In this discussion we will determine the analogies that Plato used in the Republic and Rousseau in The Social Contract.
Filename: BBplaRou.doc

Socrates' Concepts of Love and Beauty, As Described in Plato's "Symposium" (201d-212c)
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A 4 page paper which analyzes Socrates' concepts of love and beauty, as described in Plato's "Symposium"