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Overview
Scholars of Plato are divided between those who emphasize the literature of the dialogues and those who emphasize the argument of the dialogues, and between those who see a development in the thought of the dialogues and those who do not. In this important book, Russell Dancy focuses on the arguments and defends a developmental picture. He explains the Theory of Forms of the Phaedo and Symposium as an outgrowth of the quest for definitions canvassed in the Socratic dialogues, by constructing a Theory of Definition for the Socratic dialogues based on the refutations of definitions in those dialogues, and showing 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.Synopsis
This important book focuses on the arguments of Plato's early and middle dialogues and defends a developmental picture of them.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"The book is well written and produced."Marina N. Volf, Institute of Philosophy and Law, Novosibirsk, Russia, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
"As an exploration of the emergence of Plato's metaphysics, Dancy's book is a promising beginning. As a treatment of Socratic definitions, the book serves as a rich, well-developed resource. The engagement with Plato's Socrates is illuminating and philosophically robust, and Dnacy's keen commentary ranges impressively across an array of Socratic dialogues." - Christine J. Thomas, Dartmouth College
"Plato's Introduction of Forms has many merits. Its writing is clear and easy to follow, its presentation systematic, and its analysis of Plato's arguments are meticulous."
Joshua J. Reynolds, The Classical Bulletin