Who is Vlastos, George in Philosophy

Vlastos, George (1904-1991) was a renowned Greek-American philosopher known for his significant contributions to ancient philosophy, especially in the field of classical Greek philosophy. He is widely considered a leading expert on Plato and Socrates, and his works have been influential in the study of these philosophers.

Training and Career

Vlastos was born on July 27, 1904, in Kastoria, Greece. He emigrated to the United States in 1920, where he studied at the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University. During his academic career, he taught at several institutions, including Cornell University and the University of California, Berkeley.

Contributions to Ancient Philosophy

One of Vlastos's main contributions to ancient philosophy was his innovative interpretation of Plato's dialogues. He argued that Plato was not only conveying his own ideas through the dialogues, but also using Socrates as a philosophical character to explore important questions. This interpretation revolutionized the study of Plato and influenced generations of scholars.

Studies on Socrates

Vlastos is also known for his work on Socrates, the famous Greek philosopher considered the founder of Western philosophy. He closely examined Plato's dialogues that feature Socrates as a central character and argued that these dialogues are a valuable source for understanding Socrates' philosophy. His detailed analyzes of these dialogues helped to shed light on the life and thought of Socrates.

Theory of Moral Action

Another area in which Vlastos made significant contributions was the theory of moral action. He defended the idea that moral action is based on universal and objective principles, as opposed to a relativistic approach. He argued that morality is not just a matter of personal preference, but rather a matter of adhering to fundamental moral principles.

Criticisms of the Traditional Interpretation

One of the distinguishing features of Vlastos's work was his willingness to challenge traditional and established interpretations in ancient philosophy. He questioned common interpretations of philosophers such as Plato and Socrates, offering new perspectives and insights. His critical and innovative approach helped to revitalize the study of ancient philosophy and open new avenues of research.

Influence and Legacy

Vlastos's work had a lasting impact on the field of ancient philosophy. His innovative interpretations of Plato and Socrates opened up new research possibilities and influenced generations of scholars. He was also a passionate advocate of philosophy as an academic discipline and helped establish ancient philosophy as a respected field of study.

Selected Publications

Over the course of his career, Vlastos published a number of influential works on ancient philosophy. Some of his best-known publications include:

1. “Platonic Studies” (1956): A collection of essays on Plato and his philosophy.

2. “Socratic Studies” (1994): An in-depth analysis of Plato's dialogues that feature Socrates as the central character.

3. “The Philosophy of Socrates: A Collection of Critical Essays” (1971): A collection of critical essays on Socrates and his thought.

4. “The Philosophy of Plato: A Collection of Critical Essays” (1978): A collection of critical essays on Plato and his philosophy.

Conclusion

In summary, George Vlastos was a highly respected Greek-American philosopher known for his innovative contributions to the study of ancient philosophy. His revolutionary interpretation of Plato's dialogues and his work on Socrates helped shed light on these philosophers and influenced the field of ancient philosophy. His critical and innovative approach continues to be a source of inspiration for scholars and researchers today.