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9781629958699

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"David Talcott has given Christians an excellent introduction to Plato's thought and significance. This bite-sized book is perfect for the average interested layperson at church or young person engaging with philosophy for the first time. Both appreciative and critical, Plato will help believers understand and evaluate the thought of one of history's greatest philosophers.--Steven Wedgeworth, Rector, Christ Church Anglican, South Bend, Indiana: a founder of the Davenant Institute; regular contributor to Desiring God and World Opinions David Talcott provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Plato's thought in his contribution to P&R's Great Thinkers series. Readers will benefit from his placement of Plato within the constellation of the truth of Christianity and its most aggressive combatants: materialism, relativism, hedonism, and atheism. Professor Talcott shows how a careful reading of the Platonic corpus might draw us, if not toward the way, the truth, and the life, back from the tempestuous sea of these age-old dehumanizing worldviews.--David Corbin, Emeritus Professor of Politics, Providence Christian College Given the recent revival of interest in Plato and Platonism in certain evangelical circles, David Talcott's book is timely. As an introduction, it helps Christians frame Plato's importance in relation to our faith and shows where the limits of a Christian appreciation for Plato really lie. Given Talcott's background in ancient philosophy, as well as his years of experience teaching it in the classroom, his writing is both learned and clear. I have no doubt that this book will be useful for the educated layperson or the college professor looking for a reliable and accessible guide for students. I am very happy to commend it to all interested readers.--Ian Hugh Clary, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Colorado Christian University I often wish I had readable, concise introductory books to give to friends and family who have shown interest in an author, knowing that they will profit from reading the books. Talcott's Plato fulfills that wish. Talcott gives Plato a fair hearing, highlighting the most significant areas in Plato's philosophy, with stronger focus where Plato's interests dovetail with those of Christians, while pointing to Plato's weaknesses and how Christ fulfills and surpasses them. Given Plato's influence on both philosophy and theology, it is worthwhile for today's Christians to get to know him. This book will serve as a strong entry point into his thought, equipping believers to better know how to use philosophy as the handmaid of theology.--Matthew JJ Hoskin, Professor of Christian History, Davenant Hall In effortless prose, David Talcott achieves what I would have thought impossible in such a thin volume: he gives readers a taste of the insights and delights Plato offers, while weaving in contemporary secondary literature, disagreements among specialists, and advice to Christians on how to appreciate and critique Plato's ideas. A splendid work on one of the world's most important philosophers. Very well done.--James E. Bruce, Professor of Philosophy, John Brown University; Director, Center for Faith and Flourishing; teaching elder, PCA In his contribution to the Great Thinkers series, David Talcott asks: ""Shall we love Plato or scorn him?"" In an age so engrossed in the plenty and passions of this world, to the neglect of the eternal things that do not change, Talcott insists that Plato's defense of reality that transcends this world--apart from which this world makes no sense--can, despite the great philosopher's pagan limitations, aid us in our disputes with the materialists and relativists of our day. But in so doing, the book is also useful in repreparing our neighbors for the gospel by providing a fuller view of ourselves and the universe.--David C. Innes, Professor of Politics, The King's College; minister, OPC The power of philosophy to show us the folly of relativism, hedonism, and living for self-serving power and indulgent passion is nowhere more intelligently and creatively articulated than in Plato, whose philosophy is succinctly presented in this overview by David Talcott. The author guides readers through the central topics in Plato's important works and points out their relevance to contemporary Christian theology and practice.--Gary Hartenburg, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Houston Christian University To understand Christianity and its uneasy relationship with the intellectual fog and ruins of modernity, one must read Augustine. To understand Augustine, one must read Plato. More generally, Christian theology and ethics can benefit greatly from engagement with the philosophy of the past. Talcott provides an excellent model for how Christians should engage in this enterprise: by understanding Plato both on the great philosopher's own terms and by the standards of Christian faith and truth.--Joshua Blander, Associate Professor of Philosophy, The King's College"

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David Talcott (PhD, Indiana University) is fellow of philosophy and the graduate dean at New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. He is a program manager for truthXchange and a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church of America.

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