Lesser Hippias
Lesser Hippias
Book Brief
Beta48
Book • Nonfiction
•
PhilosophyAncient Greece • Classical Era
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World HistoryAdult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Lesser Hippias by Plato explores a dialogue between Socrates and Hippias, a sophist. They discuss the nature of lying and sincerity, focusing on the distinction between voluntary and involuntary wrongdoing. Socrates engages Hippias in philosophical questions, encouraging an examination of moral character and the complexities of human behavior.
Informative
Contemplative
Humorous
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
787 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lesser Hippias by Plato receives mixed reviews. Critics appreciate the engaging Socratic dialogue and Plato's exploration of truth and virtue. However, some find the arguments less rigorous compared to his other works, leaving the philosophical depth wanting. The text is praised for its historical significance and for sparking discussion on rhetoric and ethics.
Who Should Read Lesser Hippias?
A reader who enjoys Lesser Hippias by Plato is likely drawn to classical philosophy, enjoys dialogues exploring ethics and virtue, and appreciates Socratic questioning. Similar readers might appreciate Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle or The Republic by Plato.
787 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lesser Hippias is one of Plato's shorter dialogues and is sometimes considered one of the early Socratic dialogues, which primarily focus on ethical questions and feature Socrates' distinctive method of inquiry.
The dialogue is named after Hippias of Elis, a well-known sophist of the time, who appears in multiple dialogues by Plato, showcasing the contrast between sophistical rhetoric and Socratic inquiry.
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In Lesser Hippias, Socrates playfully challenges Hippias with paradoxes, underscoring the philosophical technique of elenchus, where Socrates would engage his interlocutors to reveal inconsistencies in their beliefs.
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48
Book • Nonfiction
•
PhilosophyAncient Greece • Classical Era
•
World HistoryAdult
18+ years
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