Theaetetus (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Plato

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140444505 ISBN 13: 9780140444506

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 1987

Synopsis

Set immediately prior to the trial and execution of Socrates in 399 BC, Theaetetus shows the great philosopher considering the nature of knowledge itself, in a debate with the geometrician Theodorus and his young follower Theaetetus. Their dialogue covers many questions, such as: is knowledge purely subjective, composed of the ever-changing flow of impressions we receive from the outside world? Is it better thought of as 'true belief'? Or is it, as many modern philosophers argue, 'justified true belief', in which the belief is supported by argument or evidence? With skill and eloquence, Socrates guides the debate, drawing out the implications of these theories and subjecting them to merciless and mesmerising criticism. One of the founding works of epistemology, this profound discussion of the problem of knowledge continues to intrigue and inspire.

About this title

About the Author:

Plato (c.427-347 BC) was one of the shapers of the whole intellectual tradition of the West. He was disgusted by the corruption of Athenian political life, and the execution of his teacher Socrates. He sought cures for the ills of society in philosophy, and became convinced that those ills would not cease until philosophers became rulers, or rulers philosophers.

Robin Waterfield has translated various Greek philosophical texts, and was once a commissioning editor for Penguin.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0140444505
• ISBN 13: 9780140444506
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272