Plato’s Charmides

Positive Elenchus in a 'Socratic' Dialogue

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ancient, History
Cover of the book Plato’s Charmides by Thomas M. Tuozzo, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas M. Tuozzo ISBN: 9781139124638
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: September 12, 2011
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Thomas M. Tuozzo
ISBN: 9781139124638
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: September 12, 2011
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

This book argues that Plato's Charmides presents a unitary but incomplete argument intended to lead its readers to substantive philosophical insights. Through careful, contextually sensitive analysis of Plato's arguments concerning the virtue of sophrosyne, Thomas M. Tuozzo brings the dialogue's lines of inquiry together, carrying Plato's argument forward to a substantive conclusion. This innovative reading of Charmides reverses misconceptions about the dialogue that stemmed from an impoverished conception of Socratic elenchus and unquestioned acceptance of ancient historiography's demonization of Critias. It views Socratic argument as a tool intended to move its addressee to substantive philosophical insights. It also argues, on the basis of recent historical research, a review of the fragments of Critias' oeuvre and Plato's use of Critias in other dialogues, that Plato had a nuanced, generally positive view of Critias. Throughout, readers are alerted to textual difficulties whose proper resolution is crucial to understanding Plato's often abstract arguments.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book argues that Plato's Charmides presents a unitary but incomplete argument intended to lead its readers to substantive philosophical insights. Through careful, contextually sensitive analysis of Plato's arguments concerning the virtue of sophrosyne, Thomas M. Tuozzo brings the dialogue's lines of inquiry together, carrying Plato's argument forward to a substantive conclusion. This innovative reading of Charmides reverses misconceptions about the dialogue that stemmed from an impoverished conception of Socratic elenchus and unquestioned acceptance of ancient historiography's demonization of Critias. It views Socratic argument as a tool intended to move its addressee to substantive philosophical insights. It also argues, on the basis of recent historical research, a review of the fragments of Critias' oeuvre and Plato's use of Critias in other dialogues, that Plato had a nuanced, generally positive view of Critias. Throughout, readers are alerted to textual difficulties whose proper resolution is crucial to understanding Plato's often abstract arguments.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book The Archaeology of Japan by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book The Power of Oratory in the Medieval Muslim World by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Hugo Grotius on the Law of War and Peace by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Can Delaware Be Dethroned? by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Environmental Attitudes through Time by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Labor Divided in the Postwar European Welfare State by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book The Human Pain System by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book The Changing Arctic Environment by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Reconstructing Iraq's Budgetary Institutions by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Kierkegaard: Concluding Unscientific Postscript by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book State, Faith, and Nation in Ottoman and Post-Ottoman Lands by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Emily Dickinson in Context by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Kernel Methods and Machine Learning by Thomas M. Tuozzo
Cover of the book Photo-Electro-Thermal Theory for LED Systems by Thomas M. Tuozzo
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy