Reason and Necessity: Essays on Plato's "Timaeus"

The Timaeus myth is discussed in Plato's Timaeus, with eight new essays exploring its principles, the formation of the world soul and human body, implications for illness, and the importance of music and harmonious proportion. Later developments, such as Aristotles theory of generation, Proclus' commentary, and elements of modern evolutionary theory, are also treated.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 207 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Classical Press of Wales

Plato's Timaeus is a profound and influential myth that delves into the creation of the universe by a divine craftsman. In this myth, a god imposes reason upon necessity, bringing order from a primordial receptacle of disordered matter. As a result, the cosmos emerges, a perfect copy of an externally existing ideal model. This captivating concept is explored in eight new essays, written by scholars from diverse backgrounds, who examine various aspects of this challenging work. The essays delve into the principles of the mythical narrative, explore the formation of the world soul and human body, examine the implications of illness, both mental and physical, and emphasize the importance of music and harmonious proportion. Furthermore, the essays also address later developments, such as Aristotle's theory of generation, the commentary of Proclus, and elements of modern evolutionary theory. By delving into these diverse topics, the essays provide a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Plato's Timaeus, shedding light on its enduring significance and relevance in the realm of philosophy and science.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914535253