Plato's Natural Philosophy

A Study of the Timaeus-Critias

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ancient
Cover of the book Plato's Natural Philosophy by Thomas Kjeller Johansen, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas Kjeller Johansen ISBN: 9781139809641
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: July 1, 2004
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Thomas Kjeller Johansen
ISBN: 9781139809641
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: July 1, 2004
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

Plato's dialogue the Timaeus-Critias presents two connected accounts, that of the story of Atlantis and its defeat by ancient Athens and that of the creation of the cosmos by a divine craftsman. This book offers a unified reading of the dialogue. It tackles a wide range of interpretative and philosophical issues. Topics discussed include the function of the famous Atlantis story, the notion of cosmology as 'myth' and as 'likely', and the role of God in Platonic cosmology. Other areas commented upon are Plato's concepts of 'necessity' and 'teleology', the nature of the 'receptacle', the relationship between the soul and the body, the use of perception in cosmology, and the work's peculiar monologue form. The unifying theme is teleology: Plato's attempt to show the cosmos to be organised for the good. A central lesson which emerges is that the Timaeus is closer to Aristotle's physics than previously thought.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Plato's dialogue the Timaeus-Critias presents two connected accounts, that of the story of Atlantis and its defeat by ancient Athens and that of the creation of the cosmos by a divine craftsman. This book offers a unified reading of the dialogue. It tackles a wide range of interpretative and philosophical issues. Topics discussed include the function of the famous Atlantis story, the notion of cosmology as 'myth' and as 'likely', and the role of God in Platonic cosmology. Other areas commented upon are Plato's concepts of 'necessity' and 'teleology', the nature of the 'receptacle', the relationship between the soul and the body, the use of perception in cosmology, and the work's peculiar monologue form. The unifying theme is teleology: Plato's attempt to show the cosmos to be organised for the good. A central lesson which emerges is that the Timaeus is closer to Aristotle's physics than previously thought.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book Shakespeare's Reading Audiences by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Compliant Rebels by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Settling the Earth by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book The Forty-Seven Ronin by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book The Foundations of the Modern Philippine State by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book The American Army and the First World War by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Theoretical Concepts in Physics by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Forecasting, Structural Time Series Models and the Kalman Filter by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Animal Ethics in Animal Research by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Settler Society in the English Leeward Islands, 1670–1776 by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Direct Democracy and the Courts by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book The Politics of the European Union by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Introducing Language Typology by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Coherence in Three-Dimensional Category Theory by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
Cover of the book Incentivized Development in China by Thomas Kjeller Johansen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy