The Platonic Tradition

By: Professor Peter Kreeft

Narrated by: Professor Peter Kreeft

Length: 5 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

This engaging course of lectures begins by providing a detailed and accurate overview of Plato's philosophy and it's central idea - the idea of a transcendent reality that has popularly become known as the theory of the Forms. Professor Kreeft then takes us on a concise journey through Western Philosophical history to show how that central idea - the theory of forms - has either been built upon or reacted to by philosophers ever since. We explore not only the work of Plato, but also that of several other great voices in the Western Philosophical tradition - Aristotle, Plotinus, and Augustine - each of whom gave the forms a new metaphysical address. Later lectures explore both Christian Platonists and philosophical movements such as Positivism and Nihilism which have been anti-Platonist in their outlook. In the end we are left with a richer appreciation for Plato's work and its enduring legacy.

©2012 Crescite Group (P)2012 Recorded Books

Excellent introduction!

Would you listen to The Platonic Tradition again? Why?

This is a clear, insightful and sometimes even inspiring presentation of the Platonic tradition. I would certainly recommend listening to this lecture series. I listened to these lectures twiice and plan to listen again. However, please be aware that Professor Kreeft is a conservative Roman Catholic. Augustine as well as Socrates and Plato are the heroes here. There is no focus on Plato's Pythagorianism, sacred geometry, or the Platonic solids; not a word about Iamblichus or Proclus or Ficino. Having said that, Professor Kreeft does make a compelling case against the anti-Platonic view (both in ancient times and in modern times), a view stating there is no objective truth and even if there were an objective truth we couldn't know it or communicate it to others. Thank you, Professor Kreeft!

Exactly what I was looking for.

I am surprised that this is exactly what I was looking for, because although I chose it, the form of title does not literally explain what in it I wanted. This is a good introduction to Platonism, and from a Thomistic perspective.

I did not get as much value from the last chapter personally, but I think the whole was well done and informative.

Excellent content and delivery

Thank you prof. Kreeft for these lectures. I recommend them to everyone interested in philosophy. What I appreciated most was the value judgement from the Christian point of view on different philosophical schools and trends.

Very clarifying and encouraging

Prof. Kreeft has managed to explain an intricate matter in a succinct way without leaving aside his enthusiasm for the topic. This book will undoubtedly encourage listeners to read more on Platonism and Neo-Platonism.

Philosophy Like You Have Never Heard

This is philosophy at its finest. It's filled full of wonder and excitement. It asks more questions than it answers but it continually pushes you onward to discover the truth about our lives. This book will be some of the best time you'll ever spend and you will go back to it over and over again to find out what you have missed. You are in for a great intellectual journey.

Great overview of Plato and later philosophers

Would you consider the audio edition of The Platonic Tradition to be better than the print version?

The audio version worked for me because I could listen to it in the car while driving.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Platonic Tradition?

I thought this was a great book, but then again I have read several of Peter Kreeft's books and they are all great. I can honestly say that no author has had a greater impact on my thinking than Professor Kreeft.

This book gives a great overview of Plato, and it also touches on Socrates and Aristotle. It explains Plato's philosophy and how he was influenced by Socrates, who was his mentor. The book goes on to discuss how other ancient philosophers, including Jesus, had similarities to Plato. Kreeft shows how Christianity is both faithful and reasonable, and how Plato's philosophy fits into it.

He also discusses later philosophers, many of whom have positions that are not consistent with Plato. I think Kreeft lays out a strong case for the truth of much of ancient Greek philosophy, and how it is one of the pillars of Western Civilization.

Any additional comments?

If you are interested in philosophy or theology, or even current affairs, you will find this to be an interesting and enjoyable book.

Great explanation

Would you consider the audio edition of The Platonic Tradition to be better than the print version?

As far as I know the print version does not exist yet. But it was great to hear how it would be to have him teach it. For the same reason I enjoyed hearing Thomas Merton's recorded lectures. He did a great version of himself which is not true of all authors.

What about Professor Peter Kreeft’s performance did you like?

Its him in his unvarnished nerdy professor voice.

Any additional comments?

A great explanation of the historic flow of philosophy. Platonic Traditions made me think, "All my philosophy professors were terrible." Will listen to it again at some point.

very good with some bias and flaws

Sophisticated, definitely Christian reading of Plato, weaker on his opponents. Some scholarly bloopers. *Rabbi* Buber?!?

Great Lectures

I really enjoyed listening to these lectures on Platonic ideas and how they can change your life. The professor is easy to listen to and pretty funny. Well organized.

Good intro to philosophy

Kreeft does a good job of introducing Platonic thought, and comparing it through the ages.