Plato's Philosophy -- Western Tradition Classics and Interpretation

Author: Alfarabi (Alfarabi) wrote, translated by Cheng Zhimin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The first essay in this collection, "Plato's Philosophy," presents Alfarabi's overall view of Plato's philosophy. The second essay, "Summary," offers a detailed interpretation of Plato's most important political philosophy work. Although some interpretations may not directly align with Plato's original text, this could be attributed to Alfarabi's hermeneutical realm of "losing oneself in the meaning" (). Alfarabi'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 perceptions of Plato, the "divine one," and his mentor Aristotle. The final essay is not entirely unrelated to Plato's thought. In fact, it is the understanding and pursuit of happiness that closely links Alfarabi with Plato (and Aristotle). The fundamental purpose of Platonic exegesis may well be contained in Alfarabi's work, "The Acquisition of Happiness."