Cratylus

by Plato

Overview

The Cratylus, Plato's sole dialogue devoted to the relation between language and reality, is acknowledged to be one of his masterpieces. But owing to its often enigmatic content no more than a handful of passages from it have played a part in the global evaluation of Plato's philosophy. This new English translation by C D C Reeve is the first since 1926, and incomparably the most helpful and accessible now available. It opens up the Cratylus to all philosophically interested readers, as well as to cultural historians and to those whose primary concern is the history of linguistics. The full and lucid introduction does much to illuminate the internal dynamic of this important text and to explain its place within Plato's oeuvre.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781627938242
Publisher:	Start Classics
Publication date:	12/18/2013
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	107
File size:	232 KB

About the Author

During the Classical era of ancient Greece, the philosopher Plato was born in Athens. He established the Academy, the first university on the European continent, as well as the Platonist school of philosophy. His interpretation of Plotinus had a significant impact on both Islam and Christianity. His theory of Forms, sometimes known as Platonism, is his most well-known contribution. He is also the inspiration for the Platonic solids and Platonic love. Plato was one of the most important figures in the ancient world, and his body of work is said to have persisted unaltered for more than 2,400 years. Even though little of his predecessors' writings have survived, it is believed that he had a significant impact on the works of Socrates, Heraclitus, Pythagoras, and Parmenides. On a tract of land in the Grove of Hecademus or Academus, a mythical Attic figure, Plato built it. The Academy remained in operation until Lucius Cornelius Sulla demolished it in 84 BC. Seneca claims that Plato passed away on the day of his birth at the age of 81. The Suda reports that he lived to be 82 years old, but Neanthes states that he was 84 years old. Tertullian said that Plato merely passed away while sleeping. By will, Plato bequeathed his Iphistiadae land to a younger relative.

Editorial Reviews

In the days before psychiatric drugs, Plato's friends Cratylus and Hermogenes become enmeshed in another one of his manic episodes. A 50- page introduction illuminates the internal dynamic of this important text and explains its place within Plato's oeuvre. This is the first translation since 1926 of Plato's only dialogue devoted to the relation between language and reality. For those interested in philosophy, cultural history, and history of linguistics. Paper edition (unseen), $12.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

"Perhaps no subject matter is more distinctive or more central to twentieth century philosophy than the philosophy of language. The Cratylus, Plato's most sustained investigation of language, may be his least appreciated work, no doubt in large part because of its difficult Greek. At long last, Reeve’s fine translation will make this rich work accessible to students and scholars of Plato. In addition, Reeve’s long introductory essay provides a concise guide to the argument and is itself a significant piece of scholarship. Teachers of Plato (and historical linguistics) are truly in his debt." --Allan Silverman, Ohio State University

"The Cratylus, Plato's sole dialogue devoted to the relation between language and reality, is acknowledged to be one of his masterpieces. But owing to its often enigmatic content no more than a handful of passages from it have played a part in the global evaluation of Plato's philosophy. This new English translation by C. D. C. Reeve is the first since 1926, and incomparably the most helpful and accessible now available. It opens up the Cratylus to all philosophically interested readers, as well as to cultural historians and to those whose primary concern is the history of linguistics. The full and lucid Introduction does much to illuminate the internal dynamic of this important text and to explain its place within Plato’s oeuvre." --David Sedley, University of Cambridge

From the Publisher