WELCOME TO THE PLATO FORUM

Welcome to the Plato Forum. As members we are fortunate to have the privilege of bathing in the wisdom of this ancient Greek teacher, considered by many to be the greatest of Western philosophers. 

Plato’s writings present the critical issues human beings face with such enthusiasm and intelligence that they have captivated readers for over 2,500 years.  At their core the dialogues present a set of simple principles that offer a systematic guide to living a truly good life.  

Our aim is to allow Plato and fellow Forum members to inspire you to implement these precepts so that you will discover for yourself the peace, happiness, and effectiveness that flow from virtuous living; and, in so doing, enhance your capacity to positively impact family, friends and society.

It should be noted that these principles reflect the perennial philosophy that is found at the heart of all the great philosophical and religious traditions, East and West. While Plato’s formulations and supporting arguments are uniquely presented, the principles themselves are not unique. They are universal, timeless and ever beneficial.   

How the Forum Operates

Twice a month, the moderator posts a specific Platonic principle that includes:

Quotation:    A direct quotation in which Plato summarizes a principle

Plato Says:    Supporting material--usually a myth, allegory, or analogy

Practice:      Suggestions as to how this principle may be put into practice

Echoes:          Quotations reflecting this principle in other traditions  

You are encouraged to respond to each posting in a variety of ways, including:

Your thoughts on the principle

Your experience in putting this principle into practice

Connections you see between Plato’s principle and other sources

Your response to what another member has to say

Platonic principles you would like to see on future posts

The moderator will not reply to each response, but periodically will provide some general comments on collective responses to date. Responses should reflect common courtesy.

Click for rules governing forum participation.

Click for background on the Moderator.

Click for more about Plato and his teacher Socrates.

About the Moderator

I am a devotee of Socrates and Plato.  My love for these men and their teachings was spurred after I joined the School of Practical Philosophy.  At that time I joined a Plato Study Group which met weekly in a New York City basement apartment quite similar to Plato’s Cave. 

While the physical environment was dark, the mental and spiritual atmospheres were full of light due largely to the qualities of our teacher, Frederick Helmers.  He was a truly inspirational leader who knew Plato inside and out, not only academically but experientially.  It was in this good company that I came to appreciate Plato and was struck by three features of his works.  

Strong reasoning and beautiful language: Man is “he who has magnificence of mind and is the spectator of all time and all existence.”

Its practicality: “justice is doing one’s own business”; “necessity is the mother of invention”;” temperance is the agreement of all parts that the best shall rule.”

Its universality:  It became clear to me that the principles Plato espoused were no different than those underlying all the great spiritual traditions of East and West.

I wish you well in your journey with Plato and look forward to hearing from you.  

Click for rules governing forum participation and sign up.

Click for more about Plato and his teacher Socrates.