Timaeus and Critias (Penguin Classics) - Plato

“Timaeus and Critias” are two of Plato’s most fascinating and influential dialogues, offering a blend of cosmology, mythology, and political philosophy. In Timaeus, Plato presents a vision of the creation of the universe, led by a divine craftsman who shapes a rational, ordered cosmos. This dialogue became one of the most influential philosophical cosmologies in Western thought.

Critias, though unfinished, contains the only detailed ancient account of the lost city of Atlantis—a powerful civilization that falls from grace due to moral corruption. This dramatic myth has captured the imagination of scholars, artists, and adventurers for centuries.

This Penguin Classics edition provides a clear and thoughtful translation, complete with notes and introduction, making these profound works accessible to modern readers.

Main Themes of the Book

• Cosmic order and divine reason (Nous)
• The soul of the universe and its harmony
• The ideal state versus human corruption
• Atlantis as a moral and political allegory
• Myth as a vehicle for philosophical truth

Reasons to Read this book from ''Penguin Classics'' series

• Discover Plato’s legendary Atlantis narrative
• Explore the philosophical foundations of the cosmos and order
• A critical source for understanding Platonic metaphysics and ethics
• Essential reading for students of classical philosophy and mythology
• A thought-provoking blend of science, myth, and morality

Plato’s “Timaeus and Critias” offer a unique glimpse into the ancient mind’s effort to reconcile reason, myth, and morality. With its visionary description of the universe and the haunting myth of Atlantis, this book is a cornerstone of Western philosophical and literary tradition, ideal for thinkers, dreamers, and seekers alike.