Description
In archaic societies myths were believed to tell true stories - stories about the ultimate origin of reality. For us, on the contrary, the term 'myth' denotes a false belief. Between the archaic notion of myth and ours stands Plato's. This volume is a collection of ten studies by eminent scholars that focus on the ways in which some of Plato's most famous myths are interwoven with his philosophy. The myths discussed include the eschatological myths of the Gorgias, the Phaedo, the Republic and Laws 10, the central myths of the Phaedrus and the Statesman, and the so-called myth of the Noble Lie from the Republic. The mythical character of the Timaeus cosmology is also amply discussed. The volume also contains seventeen rare Renaissance illustrations of Platonic myths. The contributors argue that in Plato myth and philosophy are tightly bound together, despite Plato's occasional claim that they are opposed modes of discourse.
A collection of essays by eminent philosophers examining the ways in which Plato's most famous myths are interwoven with his philosophy.
Reviews
Review of the hardback: 'Anyone with a philosophical interest in Plato's myths will find Partenie's collection rewarding, and it is necessary reading for those interested in publishing on the topic. All of the articles are of high-quality, and many of them are truly excellent. The book itself is attractive and well-edited.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Review of the hardback: 'Those who read [this book] in the hope of acquiring a new perspective on the arguments of particular dialogues will be richly rewarded, as the majority of the papers are highly successful in using the myths to shed new and sometimes surprising light on these arguments.' Naly Thaler, Notre Dame Philosophical Review
'... illuminating ... an informative study in art history.' Polis
Book Information
ISBN 9781107404076
Author Catalin Partenie
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 370g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 14mm
A collection of essays by eminent philosophers examining the ways in which Plato's most famous myths are interwoven with his philosophy.
Reviews
Review of the hardback: 'Anyone with a philosophical interest in Plato's myths will find Partenie's collection rewarding, and it is necessary reading for those interested in publishing on the topic. All of the articles are of high-quality, and many of them are truly excellent. The book itself is attractive and well-edited.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Review of the hardback: 'Those who read [this book] in the hope of acquiring a new perspective on the arguments of particular dialogues will be richly rewarded, as the majority of the papers are highly successful in using the myths to shed new and sometimes surprising light on these arguments.' Naly Thaler, Notre Dame Philosophical Review
'... illuminating ... an informative study in art history.' Polis
Book Information
ISBN 9781107404076
Author Catalin Partenie
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 370g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 14mm
