Plato in Russia

 

When I Googled Платон (Plato in Russian script), on my computer screen appeared a very substantial article, far surpassing anything written in English on Plato on the Internet. And yet, the article does not present itself as something new; it simply represents a common consensus among Platonists.

On ‘Contemporary chronology’, (Современная хронологиа) Plato’s works are divided into 4 sections: early (Ранний период, 390’s), transitional (Переходный период, 380’s), mature (Зрелый период, 370’s – 360’s), and late period (Поздний период, 350’s). The Meno figures as a second dialogue in the transitional period.

Presumably, the authors missed what Diogenes Laertius writes on Anytus: ‘Socrates would take to task those who thought highly of themselves, proving them to be fools, as to be sure he treated Anytus, according to Plato’s Meno. For Anytus could not endure to be ridiculed by Socrates, and so in the first place stirred up against him Aristophanes and his friends; then afterwards he helped to persuade Meletus to indict him on a charge of impiety and corrupting the youth.’

These words indicate that Plato wrote the Meno prior to the death of Socrates.

PS

The  Russian article on Plato - Платон - was last revised December 17, 2023: Эта страница в последний раз была отредактирована 17 декабря 2023 в 14:47.