Filozofa portret własny? Kilka uwag na marginesie "Listów" Platona

Abstract

The aim of my article is the analysis of the selected letters attributed to Plato to answer the question: what conception of Plato as a person can a reader create after reading his correspondence. The philosopher proves himself as a faithful friend, judicious advisor and mentor, who is willing to serve his help to everyone who wants to listen and follow his hints. Although Plato realizes his position and significance in a Greek world, in his Letters there is a note of bitterness and disappointment because of his unfulfilled political ambitions and disappointed hopes. Plato also shows his feelings of regret caused by the loss of his two friends, Socrates and Dion. The form and style of Plato’s letters are as interesting as the content. The author repeatedly writes down his thoughts in so realistic and vivid way as he would have a lively dialogue with his fictional interlocutor. In his Letters Plato uses willingly dramatic elements to depict the referred events in form of the scenes taking place, as it were before the reader’s eyes.

Keywords

• Plato
• letters
• friendship
• mentor
• disappointment