The Platonic Tradition

By: Professor Peter Kreeft

Narrated by: Professor Peter Kreeft

This engaging course of lectures begins by providing a detailed and accurate overview of Plato's philosophy and it's central idea - the idea of a transcendent reality that has popularly become known as the theory of the Forms. Professor Kreeft then takes us on a concise journey through Western Philosophical history to show how that central idea - the theory of forms - has either been built upon or reacted to by philosophers ever since. We explore not only the work of Plato, but also that of several other great voices in the Western Philosophical tradition - Aristotle, Plotinus, and Augustine - each of whom gave the forms a new metaphysical address. Later lectures explore both Christian Platonists and philosophical movements such as Positivism and Nihilism which have been anti-Platonist in their outlook. In the end we are left with a richer appreciation for Plato's work and its enduring legacy.

©2012 Crescite Group (P)2012 Recorded Books

Clear and easy to understand

I have never heard such a clear and understandable exclamation of platonic philosophy. Highly recommend.

Excellent content and delivery

Thank you prof. Kreeft for these lectures. I recommend them to everyone interested in philosophy. What I appreciated most was the value judgement from the Christian point of view on different philosophical schools and trends.

Very clarifying and encouraging

Prof. Kreeft has managed to explain an intricate matter in a succinct way without leaving aside his enthusiasm for the topic. This book will undoubtedly encourage listeners to read more on Platonism and Neo-Platonism.

Philosophy Like You Have Never Heard

This is philosophy at its finest. It's filled full of wonder and excitement. It asks more questions than it answers but it continually pushes you onward to discover the truth about our lives. This book will be some of the best time you'll ever spend and you will go back to it over and over again to find out what you have missed. You are in for a great intellectual journey.

Solid Gold! Forget about the footnotes!

Brilliant setting forth the debt we owe to Plato and those who carry on the project of loving wisdom. He sets Aristotle in the line of Plato rather than setting him against Plato. And rather than European Philosophy being in the line of Plato, Dr Kreeft shows that most of them are in the line of those ignorant interlocutors with whom Socrates dialogued in the dialogues.

This was so incredibly helpful and enjoyable. Your very best first step in the study of Plato or philosophy or reality in general.

Absolutely thrilling!