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

Nelson, Andrew R.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1357783982

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, Philosophy (Arts and Sciences).
Interpreting Plato is a difficult, divisive affair. This is particularly apparent in the Theaetetus 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.
Scott Carson, PhD (Advisor)
James Petrik, PhD (Committee Member)
Al Lent, PhD (Committee Member)
110 p.
Classical Studies; Philosophy
Plato; Unitarian; Unitarianism; Developmentalist; Developmentalism; Theaetetus; Knowledge; Perception; Sense-impressions; Heraclitus; Protagoras; Measure Doctrine; Flux; Locke; Hume; Platonic Interpretation; Wax; Empiricism

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Nelson, A. R. (2013). Platonic Interpretation is Set in Wax, Not Stone: Evidence for a Developmentalist Reading of Theaetetus 151-187 [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1357783982

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nelson, Andrew. Platonic Interpretation is Set in Wax, Not Stone: Evidence for a Developmentalist Reading of Theaetetus 151-187. 2013. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1357783982.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nelson, Andrew. "Platonic Interpretation is Set in Wax, Not Stone: Evidence for a Developmentalist Reading of Theaetetus 151-187." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1357783982

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.