New Books in Critical Theory Carol Atack, "Plato: A Civic Life" (Reaktion, 2025)
Sep 27, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Carol Atack, a Fellow at the University of Cambridge, dives into her book exploring Plato's life and thought. She reveals how Athens' turbulent history shaped Plato’s views on democracy and civic life. Atack highlights new evidence from Herculaneum that sheds light on his Academy and critiques of rhetoric. She also connects Plato's methods to contemporary issues, suggesting that his dialogues can foster better public debate today. A fascinating blend of philosophy and history awaits!
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Democratic Distrust Rooted In Trauma
- Plato distrusted unschooled majoritarian decision-making after witnessing strategic failures and political revenge.
- Socrates' trial and execution became the pivot that shaped his skepticism about Athenian practice of democracy.
Rhetoric's Political Consequences
- Sophists professionalized persuasive speech, changing civic life and prompting Plato's critique of form over substance.
- He feared rhetoric's power to win without truth and reacted by emphasising deeper inquiry over showy persuasion.
Socrates As Constructed Central Character
- Plato repeatedly memorializes Socrates and uses him as the central dramatic voice in most dialogues.
- Atack cautions readers to treat dialogues as literary constructions rather than literal transcripts.
