William H. F. Altman Book order

The book explores the differences between Imperial Platonism as represented by Plotinus and Plato's original teachings. It highlights Plotinus as a master figure guiding disciples towards enlightenment, in contrast to Plato, who emphasized self-discovery and critical thinking among his students in the Academy. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire and modern scholarly interpretations, it offers a nuanced analysis of these philosophical approaches.

Focusing on Demosthenes and other Athenian students of Plato, the author provides historical and external evidence to reconstruct Plato's original curriculum. This exploration delves into the educational practices of antiquity, highlighting the influence of these philosophers on each other and the broader intellectual landscape of their time. Altman's analysis aims to deepen the understanding of Plato's teachings and their impact on subsequent thought.

Focusing on Plato's foundational dialogues, this study emphasizes their reading order rather than chronological composition. It begins with the engaging Protagoras and culminates in the profound Symposium, while exploring key dialogues such as Alcibiades, Lovers, Hippias, Ion, and Menexenus. This arrangement serves as an accessible introduction to both philosophical concepts and the essence of Platonism, guiding students through the rich landscape of Plato's thought.

The analysis focuses on the reading order of Plato's dialogues, suggesting that it is this order, rather than the order of composition, that classifies works like Euthyphro and Apology as "late dialogues." Altman emphasizes the significance of Plato's choice to place Sophist and Statesman between Euthyphro and Apology, advocating for a deeper appreciation of this decision among scholars. The book challenges traditional interpretations and encourages a reevaluation of the dialogues' structure and their philosophical implications.

Exploring the pedagogical connections in Plato's post-Republic dialogues, the author examines the significance of their Reading Order, specifically from Timaeus to Theaetetus. This analysis sheds light on the educational themes and philosophical insights that link these works, providing a deeper understanding of their interrelatedness and the implications for readers and scholars of Plato's thought.

Cicero's legacy is examined through the lens of Plato's influence on his life and writings, highlighting his unique qualities that allowed him to both revive Platonism and stand as a rival to Plato. The book advocates for a deeper respect and more thorough study of Cicero, emphasizing his significant contributions to philosophy and rhetoric. Altman’s analysis uncovers the complexities of Cicero's thought and his enduring impact on intellectual history.

The book critiques Nietzsche through a Platonic lens, challenging his perceived "untimeliness" and employing Nietzsche's own aphoristic style. It positions Nietzsche as a key philosophical figure of the Second Reich, highlighting the connection between his ideas and the historical context of his naming after a Prussian King. This analysis offers a fresh perspective on Nietzsche's philosophy and its implications within German history.

By examining Leo Strauss's philosophy within the framework of National Socialism, the book reveals how Strauss dismantles the divide between 'Athens' and 'Jerusalem,' challenging modern secularism's defenses against political theology. It posits that National Socialism functions as an atheistic religion, with Strauss emerging as a key theorist akin to Plato's Athenian Stranger. This analysis invites a reevaluation of Strauss's impact on contemporary political thought and the interplay between philosophy and ideology in the context of totalitarianism.

Focusing on Plato's engaging teaching style, the book explores his skill in fostering dynamic discussions that connect with students. It highlights a pivotal moment in his dialogues, particularly the challenge posed to readers to embrace justice by confronting the complexities of political life, akin to the journeys of Socrates and Cicero. This examination reveals the deeper implications of Plato's philosophy and its relevance to contemporary moral choices.

In a new approach to a vexing problem in modern philosophy, William H. F. Altman shows that Heidegger's decision to join the Nazis in 1933 can only be understood in the context of his complicated relationship with the Great War.