Abstract

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to analyse the ways in which the nature of true philosophers is described in Plato’s Timaeus. By examining the distinction between two kinds of opinion – one (produced by sensation) absolutely false, the other (developed through one of the soul’s rational faculties) reliably true – I will try to show that Plato coined a new term to denote both true philosophers and the characteristics of their knowledge. From being a ‘love of wisdom’, true philosophy came to be defined as a ‘passion for science’. Finally, I will try to illustrate the protreptic intent underlying this choice of words and how it concerns the main critical target of the Timaeus, the so-called Presocratics.

Highlights

  • The aim of this paper is to analyse the ways in which the nature of true philosophers is described in Plato’s Timaeus

  • Since the same attributes emerge, for example, from the Phaedo, the Republic, the Symposium, and the Theaetetus, the character of true philosophers described in these dialogues may reasonably be taken to correspond to the hypothetical content of the unwritten Philosopher; in other words, the image depicted in these dialogues represents the keystone of Plato’s conception of the nature of true philosophers

  • In the light of my analyses, the portrayal of the epistemerastes in the Timaeus perfectly matches the description of true philosophers present in other dialogues: above all, the need for them to distance themselves from the sensible world by focusing on their souls, which is the only way to master the science of ideas and to ascend to the divine condition

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Since the same attributes emerge, for example, from the Phaedo, the Republic, the Symposium, and the Theaetetus, the character of true philosophers described in these dialogues may reasonably be taken to correspond to the hypothetical content of the unwritten Philosopher; in other words, the image depicted in these dialogues represents the keystone of Plato’s conception of the nature of true philosophers These are individuals who have mastered the science of ideas by detaching themselves from the corporeal sphere (namely, sensation and bodily desires) and focusing only on their souls Through the figure of the Demiurge – probably a metaphor for the causal and paradigmatic activity of the noetic sphere – the cosmos is produced as an imitation of the perfection of the ideas: as such, it is beautiful and complete, even though it is a generated entity and, as such, inferior to the qualities of the intelligible world (28a4b2; 28c3-29a6; 29d7-30c1). 7 From the ideas the cosmos derives beauty (30d2), harmony (32c2), self-sufficiency (33d2), intelligence (34a2), eternity, and regularity (37d1-39e2)

Objectives
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.