Three Interpretations of the Myth of Genesis in Plato's <i>Timaeus</i>

Abstract

Plato narrated the myth about the genesis of the universe in the dialogue Timaeus. It was interpreted in various ways by the people after him. Here we will examine the interpretations by Aristotle, Plotinus and Augustine, as the representatives of it. In this respect, first of all, we have to consider the Plato's myth itself and some problems which it involves.1. The myth of Timaeus and the problems it involves.2. The interpretation by Aristotle.3. The interpretation by Plotinus.4. The interpretation by Augustine.Finally, we would like to find out the meaning of these three interpretations in the history of the European metaphysics.