Platonic Interpretation is Set in Wax, Not Stone: Evidence for a Developmentalist Reading of <i>Theaetetus</i> 151-187

Interpreting Plato is a difficult, divisive affair. This is particularly apparent in the <i>Theaetetus</i> where there are two primary interpretations of the first definition of knowledge—Reading A and Reading B, Unitarian and Developmentalist interpretations respectively. Reading A claims Plato has accepted moderate versions of Heraclitean Flux (HF) and Protagoras’ Measure Doctrine (MD). Reading B finds Plato rejecting both theories. This thesis provides a brief history of Platonic interpretation, an exposition of the first definition of knowledge, and evidence for Reading B. The evidence appeals to the two Readings’ mutually exclusive interpretations. The thesis suggests essential features of moderate versions of HF and MD, relates them to modern empiricists’ notion of sense-impressions, and then shows that Plato rejects sense-impressions later in the dialogue. Thus, showing that Plato does not accept moderate versions of HF and MD, and providing corroborating evidence that Reading B is correct.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Philosophy (Arts and Sciences)

Grantor dc:publisher

Ohio University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Nelson, Andrew R.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Carson, Scott

• Classical Studies
• Philosophy
• Plato
• Unitarian
• Unitarianism
• Developmentalist
• Developmentalism
• Theaetetus
• Knowledge
• Perception
• Sense-impressions
• Heraclitus
• Protagoras
• Measure Doctrine
• Flux
• Locke
• Hume
• Platonic Interpretation
• Wax
• Empiricism

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1357783982

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ohiou1357783982