Second Alcibiades (or On Praying) by Plato

11/03/15 • 41 min

Second Alcibiades (ΑΛΚΙΒΙΑΔΗΣ Β) is also known as On Prayer. It is not certain whether Plato was the author. The text discusses prayer and concludes that it is best not to ask for specific things from God. Translated by George Burges. Illumination: Cutting from an Antiphonal c. 1465 attributed to Bartolomeo Rigossi da Gallarate.

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Philebus by Plato

Philebus (ΦΙΛΗΒΟΣ) is a Socratic dialogue written by Plato which discusses topics including pleasure, wisdom, the soul and God. The indulgent life of an oyster is contrasted with the thoughtful life of a philosopher. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. Photograph: Mariana by Henry Peach Robinson.

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Hippias Major by Plato

Hippias Major (ΙΠΠΙΑΣ ΜΕΙΖΩΝ) may not have been written by Plato. The dialogue discusses what true beauty is and includes a maiden, gold and a porridge spoon as possible instances. Translated by George Burges. Painting: The Eternal Feminine (L'Éternel Féminin) c.1877 by Paul Cézanne.