On Ideas Aristotle's Criticism of Plato's Theory of Forms [Paperback]

ThePeri ide??n(On Ideas) is the only work in which Aristotle systematically sets out and criticizes arguments for the existence of Platonic forms. Gail Fine presents the first full-length treatment in English of this important but neglected work. She asks how, and how well, Aristotle understands Plato's theory of forms, and why and with what justification he favors an alternative metaphysical scheme. She examines the significance of thePeri ide??nfor some central questions about Plato's theory of forms--whether, for example, there are forms corresponding to every property or only to some, and if only to some, then to which ones; whether forms are universals, particulars or both; and whether they are meanings, properties or both. Fine also provides a general discussion of Plato's theory of forms, and of our evidence about thePeri ide??nand its date, scope, and aims. While she pays careful attention to the details of the text, she also relates it to contemporary philosophical concerns. The book will be valuable for anyone interested in metaphysics ancient or modern.

In Platonic studies this book will not be easily rivaled for its scholarly brilliance, intellectual excitement, and generosity of spirit. Very strongly recommended for all college and university libraries. --Choice

A dense and scholarly tome...that will no doubt become a standard on its subject, this work is accessible only to the most serious of students. --Religious Studies Review