Plato's Introduction of Forms

ISBN-13: 9780521838016 / Angielski / Twarda / 2004 / 364 str.

R. M. Dancy

Opis

R.M. Dancy explains the Theory of Forms of the Phaedo and Symposium as the outgrowth of the quest for definitions canvassed in the Socratic dialogues. He, therefore, constructs a Theory of Definition for the Socratic dialogues based on the refutations of definitions in those dialogues, and shows how that theory is mirrored in the Theory of Forms. His discussion ranges in detail over a number of Plato's early and middle dialogues, and will be of interest to readers in Plato studies and in ancient philosophy more generally.

Recenzje

'The great Plato still intrigues contemporary philosophers and, while works devoted to him usually fall in the field of classics, his concepts are often discussed in terms of analytical philosophy. The book by R. M. Dancy is an excellent example of this approach. This form of presentation is convenient for the reader and, thanks to carefully selected examples, is perfectly suitable for didactic purposes. The book is a valuable attempt to show, by means of the analytical method, the development of Platonic thought from the earliest dialogues to the later ones. … an important contribution for those interested in the theory of definitions, while a detailed analysis of the dialogues is a valuable tool for educators and students of Plato.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Spis treści

Preface; Note on the text; Abbreviations; 1. Introduction; Part I. A Socratic Theory of Definition: 2. Socrates' demand for definitions; 3. Fixing the topic; 4. Socrates' requirements: substitutivity; 5. Socrates' requirements: paradigms; 6. Socrates' requirements: explanations; 7. Socrates' requirements: explaining by paradigms; 8. Explaining: presence, participation; the Lysis; Part II. Between Definitions and Forms: 9. The Meno; Part III. Platonic Forms: 10. Phaedo 64–66: enter the forms; 11. Phaedo 72–78: the forms and recollection; 12. The beautiful in the Symposium; 13. Phaedo 95a–107b: forms and causes; 14. Conclusion; References; Index of passages cited; General index.