The Fire and the Sun

An introduction to the philosophy of Plato and his attitude to art and his theory of beauty in particular and an account of Murdoch's views on Plato and art. She broadens the discussion to include the opinions of other writers and philosophers, from Aristotle through to Kant, Tolstoy, Freud, Derrida and Jane Austen. Topics touched on are Plato's view of homosexuality, music as therapy, and the Greek view of fine art. Apart from this book, Iris Murdoch's books of philosophy include "The Sovereignity of Good", "Sartre Romantic Rationalist" and "Acastos: Two Platonic Dialogues".