Description
Book SynopsisPlato versus Parmenides investigates the concept of genesis, or coming into being, a problem that has absorbed the greatest philosophical thinkers. Robert J. Roecklein explores two philosophical giants who tackled this issue: Plato and Parmenides from Elea. Particularly interesting to Roecklein is how the respective arguments of reality, or lack thereof, of coming into being functions as a political barometer: how Plato and Parmenides sketch foundations for political regimes. Plato and Parmenides, philosophers of immeasurable respect and influence, represented two sides of a fierce debate. On one side, Parmenides gives the famous argument that coming into being cannot possibly be a reality in nature. The other side, Plato proves in his dialogue the Parmenides that coming into being is a very real thing in nature. He argues that perception does indeed provide accurate information about the external world. In Plato versus Parmenides, Robert J. Roecklein presents the great debate between
Trade ReviewIn sum, this book has . . . value as a corrective to the academic complacency that we are all a prey to. * Phronesis *
Robert Roecklein deals with perennial questions of philosophy by going back to the beginning. His erudite and provocative treatment of Parmenides and Plato is a welcome edition to the literature. His book should prove of interest for all students of political philosophy. -- Stephen Eric Bronner, Rutgers University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction. The Greek Debate over Coming into Being Chapter 2 Chapter One. Parmenides' Argument Chapter 3 Chapter Two. Parmenides and the Milesian Philosophies Chapter 4 Chapter Three. Parmenides' Influence on Empedocles and Anaxagoras Chapter 5 Chapter Four. Plato's Socrates and his Theory of Cause Chapter 6 Chapter Five. The Parmenides: Plato's Proof of Coming to Be Chapter 7 Chapter Six. The Theaetetus: Plato's Proof that the Objects of Knowledge are Indivisible
