Plato is a pivotal figure from the beginnings of Western philosophy, yet the influence of his life on his thought has rarely been studied. He lived in turbulent times, born during a war that led to the defeat and decline of Athens. A restored democracy brought about the execution of his teacher, Socrates.

Carol Atack explores how his life in Athens influenced Plato's thought, how he developed the Socratic dialogue into a powerful philosophical tool, and how he used the institutions of Athenian society to create a compelling imaginary world. The book is accessibly written and shows how Plato transformed Athens into a place where diverse ideas coalesced, introducing a new approach to the big questions about existence and the societies we create, then and now.

Pages: 240, Dimensions: 13.8x13.8cm