(February 19, 2015 at 9:41 pm)Pyrrho Wrote: About Bertrand Russell's book: Some people dislike it, as he is very much an interested party in the discussion. In my opinion, it is good that he is open with his views on things, as a pretend "objectivity" is only pretend. It is worth mentioning, though, that not everything he states is uncontroversial, and so one should take care in simply trusting him. Naturally, the same could be said about other such books.Yeah, the next batch of Plato's works that I'm getting into include the Republic. I am definitely looking forward to that.
And he is, as you say, an excellent writer. His literary style is superb. Great clarity, and eloquence, combined. It is difficult to not feel envious of his literary skills.
As for what has happened in philosophy since 1945, I think it mostly isn't worth much. I expect that that remark will be misunderstood by some, if they read it, but I don't feel like bothering with an explanation, beyond saying that we have had no one of the caliber of, say, David Hume, since then.
Anyway, I am pretty much on board for your remarks about Russell's book, and about the first four dialogs to read in Plato. I would then go on to the Republic, but that is less important than starting with the first four that you recommend. In your case, though, if you want to read more Plato, you should read the Republic. There you will get to many of the central ideas in Plato's thinking.
He who loves God cannot endeavour that God should love him in return - Baruch Spinoza
