Plato's philosophy

Author: Al-Farabi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The first essay included in this book, "Plato's Philosophy," presents Al-Farabi's overall perspective on Plato's philosophy. The second essay, "Summary," offers a detailed interpretation of Plato's most important political philosophy works. Although some interpretations may not directly align with Plato's original text, this could be attributed to Al-Farabi's hermeneutical realm of "losing oneself in the meaning" (). Al-Farabi's interpretation of Plato's Laws highlights the differing interests of the Islamic and Christian worlds in inheriting ancient Greek culture. The third essay aims to reconcile people's views on Plato, the "divine one," and his mentor Aristotle. The final essay is not entirely unrelated to Plato's thought. In fact, it is the pursuit and understanding of happiness that closely links Al-Farabi with Plato (and Aristotle). The fundamental purpose of Plato's exegesis may well be contained in Al-Farabi's work, "The Acquisition of Happiness."