Plato's Dialogues of Definition: Causal and Conceptual Investigations

Plato's "dialogues of definition" (Euthyphro, Laches, Meno, Charmides, Lysis, Republic I, Hippias Major) are often considered negative, but Justin C. Clark argues that they contain positive "Socratic" answers. The key to understanding these dialogues is to decipher between two distinct types of answers: conceptual and causal. Clark offers a way to do this, resolving interpretive issues, providing systematic interpretations of the negative endings, and generating new readings of Charmides and Lysis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 203 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

In each of Plato's "dialogues of definition" (Euthyphro, Laches, Meno, Charmides, Lysis, Republic I, Hippias Major), Socrates initiates philosophical discourse by posing the question, "What is F-ness?" However, these dialogues are often criticized for lacking substantial philosophical content. Socrates' interlocutors consistently fail to provide satisfactory answers, leading to a negative perception of these dialogues as empty. Justin C. Clark challenges this negative interpretation, arguing that the dialogues of definition contain positive "Socratic" answers. To grasp the positive theory, however, one must acknowledge the dual function of the "What is F-ness?" question. Socrates is not seeking a singular response but rather two distinct types of answers. The question serves as a launching point for two types of inquiry: conceptual and causal. Understanding any of the dialogues of definition requires deciphering between these two types of answers. Clark provides a method to accomplish this, resolving interpretive issues in Socratic philosophy, offering systematic interpretations of the negative endings, and generating valuable new readings of the Charmides and Lysis, while also casting doubt on the authenticity of the Hippias Major.

In each of Plato's "dialogues of definition" (Euthyphro, Laches, Meno, Charmides, Lysis, Republic I, Hippias Major), Socrates initiates philosophical discourse by posing the question, "What is F-ness?" However, these dialogues are often criticized for lacking substantial philosophical content. Socrates' interlocutors consistently fail to provide satisfactory answers, leading to a negative perception of these dialogues as empty. Justin C. Clark challenges this negative interpretation, arguing that the dialogues of definition contain positive "Socratic" answers. To grasp the positive theory, however, one must acknowledge the dual function of the "What is F-ness?" question. Socrates is not seeking a singular response but rather two distinct types of answers. The question serves as a launching point for two types of inquiry: conceptual and causal. Understanding any of the dialogues of definition requires deciphering between these two types of answers. Clark provides a method to accomplish this, resolving interpretive issues in Socratic philosophy, offering systematic interpretations of the negative endings, and generating valuable new readings of the Charmides and Lysis, while also casting doubt on the authenticity of the Hippias Major.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031078484
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022