Plato (reading group): Ion dialogue

Ion is considered part of Plato's 'early' works that involve the application of Socratic method to claims-to-know made about a particular topic, in this case artistic knowledge and inspiration. One of his shortest works, we will read the text beforehand and meet to discuss it.

In previous sessions we have read the Apology, Crito, Phaedo, and Euthyphro, though it is not a requirement to have read these for this session.

Please note the change in day and time from our previous meetings, as well as the change in venue location.

Starting from 20th September we will begin an examination of the works of Plato. Regarded as perhaps the most influential figure in shaping Western philosophy, this ancient Greek philosopher (427 - 348 BC) is renowned for arguing for the primacy of ideas over the things that ideas are about. Plato produced his work in the form of a series of dialogues between characters, of which Socrates is the central figure. Each of our sessions will examine a different dialogue, and involve preparatory reading of that dialogue (estimated reading time is less than an hour each). We will intend to cover most of the dialogues over the coming months, selecting those that are regarded as most important and that are accessible in terms of reading commitment. Plato's dialogues are readily available both online and in print, and can be found at:

https://www.platonicfoundation.org/translation/

The reading group usually consists of around 10 regular members, and newcomers are very welcome. None of us are professional philosophers and most have no formal training in philosophy. We approach each text requiring no prior knowledge of any philosophy.