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ravioli_isdeliciosi's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hypatiasilver's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
henry_michael03's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
zmb's review against another edition
4.0
Despite the fact that it was (probably) not written by Plato, I think this is the most "Socratic" dialog that I've read.
sofrosune's review against another edition
4.0
Socrates schools, humiliates, and helps Alcibiades, although with no one to witness it, and Alcibiades does not crumble. Why is that, because he's young and arrogant? Any other man would be filled by shame.
People say that this is a doubtful work of Plato, that there is reason to think it was made by someone else, maybe by some disciple. As you read it, you'll notice why, only if you've read previous works of Plato before. So do not read this as your first introduction to him.
Definitely worth the read.
People say that this is a doubtful work of Plato, that there is reason to think it was made by someone else, maybe by some disciple. As you read it, you'll notice why, only if you've read previous works of Plato before. So do not read this as your first introduction to him.
Definitely worth the read.
cassgagnon's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
hilaritas's review against another edition
4.0
Presents the thesis to a callow Alcibiades that one cannot exercise political power without first cultivating personal virtue.
sookieskipper's review against another edition
4.0
Socrates doesn't waste time in setting context for the eventual ping pong dialogue between him and Alcibiades I. Reading Plato's dialogue is like watching a huge ship getting decommissioned or assembled. The argument builds, branches out, builds some more and finally takes a shape that's promised in the premise. At the same time, notions that would otherwise weaken his argument are speculated, hypothesized and trashed.
To prove why Aclibiades needs Socrates, Socrates takes upon himself to narrate the importance of self-worth of a person, the context in which a person is evaluated and the virtues that are necessary to be successful in society.
Since the beginning of this conversation it's the first time Socrates address the innocence young men like Aclibiades possess. He is, in fact, attacking the young man's education and what Socrates believes, an unpreparedness to thrive in the politics of Athens.
Socrates makes an astute observation at one point. Its unfortunate that its not explored in detail.
There is a debate on authenticity of this dialogue. Without much exposure to Plato's other works, I cannot provide an opinion on that matter. I definitely enjoyed reading it.
To prove why Aclibiades needs Socrates, Socrates takes upon himself to narrate the importance of self-worth of a person, the context in which a person is evaluated and the virtues that are necessary to be successful in society.
"Mistakes in life and practice are likewise to be attributed to the ignorance which has conceit of knowledge."
Since the beginning of this conversation it's the first time Socrates address the innocence young men like Aclibiades possess. He is, in fact, attacking the young man's education and what Socrates believes, an unpreparedness to thrive in the politics of Athens.
Socrates makes an astute observation at one point. Its unfortunate that its not explored in detail.
"What, then, is justice but that better, of which I spoke, in going to war or not going to war with those against whom we ought or ought not, and when we ought or ought not go to war?"
There is a debate on authenticity of this dialogue. Without much exposure to Plato's other works, I cannot provide an opinion on that matter. I definitely enjoyed reading it.
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