Description
Book SynopsisThere are thirty-six appearances of the Greek word exaíphnes in Plato's dialogues. Usually translated as all of a sudden or suddenly, exaíphnes emerges in several significant passages. For example, exaíphnes appears three times in the allegory of the cave from Republic vii and heralds the vision of the Beautiful in Symposium. Commonly translated in the Parmenides as the instant, exaíphnes also surfaces in a crucial section of the dialogue's training exercise. The Role of Exaíphnes in Early Greek Literature: Philosophical Transformation in Plato's Dialogues and Beyond connects the thirty-six scattered appearances of exaíphnes and reveals the role it plays in linking Plato's theory of Ideas with education. Joe Cimakasky discloses how Plato's step-by-step, methodical approach to philosophical education climaxes with a dynamic conversion experience signified by the appearance of exaíphnes.Cimakasky shows how Plato's conception of exaíphnes was transformative with respect to how the term w
Trade ReviewJoe Cimakasky provides a fascinating treatment of a truly timeless topic. The instant or the sudden (exaiphnês) appears in turning-point passages in Plato, and this fine book crucially traces the trajectory of its appearance prior to, in Plato, afterwards, and even up to the present. -- Ronald Polansky, Duquesne University
With its unique insight concerning participation, this book has changed the way I read Plato. -- William Irwin, King's College, Pennsylvania
Table of ContentsIntroduction Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Parmenides I: Love and Work Chapter 2: Parmenides II: The Training Chapter 3: Plato’s Seventh Letter: Friendship and Philosophical Education Chapter 4: Republic: Sudden Changes Chapter 5: Symposium: Philosophical Love Chapter 6: Ἐξαίφνης after Plato Appendix I: Ἐξαίφνης in Greek Literature Prior to Plato Appendix II: Ἐξαίφνης in Plato’s Dialogues
