39 pages • 1 hour read •
Theaetetus
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Book Brief
136
Book • Nonfiction
Athens • Classical Greece
Penguin Books
Adult
18+ years
1060L
Super Short Summary
Theaetetus by Plato is a dialogue between Socrates and Theaetetus, a young geometry student, discussing the nature of knowledge. They examine and critique several definitions: knowledge as perception, true judgment, and true judgment with an account, ultimately concluding that none are satisfactory and acknowledging general human ignorance on the topic.
Contemplative
Challenging
Informative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
6,147 ratings
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Review Roundup
Plato's Theaetetus explores the nature of knowledge through engaging dialectic. Critics laud its depth, intellectual rigor, and significant influence on epistemology. However, some find the dialogue dense and challenging to decode without a strong philosophical background. Overall, it's a seminal but demanding read for serious students of philosophy.
Who Should Read Theaetetus?
A reader who enjoys Theaetetus by Plato is likely an enthusiast of classical philosophy and the Socratic method. They appreciate profound explorations of knowledge and perception, similar to those found in Plato's Republic or Aristotle's Metaphysics. This reader values deep intellectual stimulation and historical philosophical dialogues.
6,147 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Socrates
Socrates
An Ancient Greek philosopher who serves as the main protagonist of the dialogue, engaging Theaetetus in discussions about the nature of knowledge.
Theaetetus
Theaetetus
An Athenian mathematician and young geometry student, who participates in a dialogue with Socrates as they explore concepts related to knowledge.
Protagoras
Protagoras
An Ancient Greek philosopher and sophist, whose ideas about knowledge as perception are discussed and examined in the dialogue through Socrates's refutations.
Theaetetus is notable for being one of Plato's dialogues where the philosopher Socrates serves as the protagonist, guiding the discussion about the nature of knowledge.
The dialogue is part of a trilogy with Theaetetus, Sophist, and Statesman, each exploring different philosophical issues but featuring some of the same characters across the works.
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Within Theaetetus, Plato explores ideas that were later foundational to Western epistemology, such as the distinction between knowledge and true belief.
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136
Book • Nonfiction
Athens • Classical Greece
Penguin Books
Adult
18+ years
1060L
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