Description
Book SynopsisPlato seasons his philosophical dialogues with self-contained, fantastical narratives that we usually label his 'myths'. This volume focuses on the ways in which a number of Plato's most famous myths are interwoven with his philosophy. It also contains seventeen rare Renaissance illustrations of Platonic myths.
Trade ReviewReview 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
Table of ContentsList of illustrations; List of contributors; Preface; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Introduction Catalin Partenie; 1. Plato's eschatological myths Michael Inwood; 2. Myth, punishment and politics in the Gorgias David Sedley; 3. Tale, theology and teleology in the Phaedo Gábor Betegh; 4. Fraternité, inégalité, la parole de Dieu: Plato's authoritarian myth of political legitimation Malcolm Schofield; 5. Glaucon's reward, philosophy's debt: the myth of Er G. R. F. Ferrari; 6. The charioteer and his horses: an example of Platonic myth-making Christopher Rowe; 7. The myth of the Statesman Charles H. Kahn; 8. Eikōs muthos M. F. Burnyeat; 9. Myth and eschatology in the Laws Richard Stalley; 10. Platonic myth in Renaissance iconography Elizabeth McGrath; Suggested further reading; Bibliography; Index.
