Why It Matters Today
Theaetetus tackles the nature of knowledge, a topic incredibly relevant today with debates over artificial intelligence, information overload, and how we define truth in a digital age.
Modern Connections
Big Ideas
Knowledge is a form of perception or belief that can be true or false.
Knowing something isn't just about having an opinion; it’s about believing something that actually matches reality.
Definitions of knowledge matter because they shape how we understand the world and communicate our ideas.
If we don’t agree on what knowledge is, our discussions can get really confused.
What You'll Learn
- How ancient philosophers approached the question of what it means to 'know' something.
- The challenges in defining knowledge and the philosophical problems that arise from it.
Reader Fit
✅ Good For
- Students of philosophy and logic
- Readers interested in the history of ideas
- Anyone curious about how we define truth and knowledge
⚠ Not Ideal For
- Readers looking for quick, entertaining reads
- People not interested in abstract philosophy
Controversies & Critiques
- Modern critiques argue that Plato's conception of knowledge is too idealized and doesn't account for social or emotional aspects of understanding.
- Some consider it overly theoretical with limited practical application.
Reading Context
Before Reading
- Basic knowledge of Plato's dialogues and Greek philosophy.
- Familiarity with how definitions affect understanding.
After Reading
- Study of later epistemological theories like empiricism and rationalism.
- Explore how modern cognitive science approaches knowledge.
Similar Books
Appeals to fans of: Philosophy, cognitive science, intellectual debates, research on truth
Classification Details
Author
Plato
Published
-369
Language
English
Subjects
Classical literature, Knowledge, Theory of -- Early works to 1800
Curated Collections
This book appears in these curated collections:
