Traditional and Cosmic Gods in Later Plato and the Early Academy

This book explores Plato's cosmology in relation to Greek religion by examining the distinction between traditional and cosmic gods, showing how they are used to organize and structure his accounts of the universe and humanity. It argues that the tension between these two families of gods creates a dynamic yet productive tension in Plato's thinking, which is not resolved until the works of his students. The book also explores how the cosmological and religious ideas of Plato's later dialogues resurfaced in the Early Academy and led to the collapse of this theological distinction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book delves into Plato's cosmology, exploring the intricate relationship between his philosophical ideas and Greek religion. By examining the contentious distinction between the traditional and cosmic gods, it sheds new light on his cosmological framework. Through a close analysis of the later dialogues, the author demonstrates how these two families of gods are consistently employed to organize and structure Plato's accounts of the universe's origins, humanity's place within it, and the social institutions that govern human existence. Moreover, the book highlights the moral and political ideals of philosophical utopias, drawing upon the cosmological and religious concepts articulated by Plato.

Vilius Bartninkas contends that the presence of these two distinct types of gods creates a dynamic tension in Plato's thinking, which persists throughout his works and remains unresolved until the contributions of his students. As a result, the book concludes by examining how the cosmological and religious ideas of Plato's later dialogues resurfaced in the Early Academy, leading to intense debates that ultimately contributed to the collapse of this theological distinction.

This comprehensive exploration of Plato's cosmology and its relationship to Greek religion offers a profound understanding of his philosophical ideas and their historical context. It sheds light on the complex interplay between religion, philosophy, and societal structures, providing valuable insights into the development of ancient thought and the enduring relevance of Plato's ideas to contemporary debates.

Weight: 381g
ISBN-13: 9781009322614