Plato's Natural Philosophy A Study of the Timaeus-Critias [Paperback]

Examines the unifying teleological theme in Plato's dialogue the Timaeus-Critias.The Timaeus-Critias deals with cosmology and with Plato's claim that its central task is to articulate the way in which the cosmos manifests the values of goodness and beauty. Its study is therefore recommended if we are to lead better lives. This book examines this important dialogue in its entirety for the first time using the current methods of Platonic scholarship. It argues that Aristotle's physics is far closer to the Timaeus than usually realised. Other prominent findings reinforce the dialogue's essentially moral message, and elucidate its literary character.The Timaeus-Critias deals with cosmology and with Plato's claim that its central task is to articulate the way in which the cosmos manifests the values of goodness and beauty. Its study is therefore recommended if we are to lead better lives. This book examines this important dialogue in its entirety for the first time using the current methods of Platonic scholarship. It argues that Aristotle's physics is far closer to the Timaeus than usually realised. Other prominent findings reinforce the dialogue's essentially moral message, and elucidate its literary character.The Timaeus-Critias is concerned with cosmology and Plato's claim that its central task is to articulate the way in which the cosmos manifests the values of goodness and beauty. This book examines this important dialogue in its entirety using current methods of Platonic scholarship. Arguing that Aristotle's physics is far closer to the Timaeus than usually realized, the study's other prominent findings reinforce the dialogue's essentially moral message, and clarify its literary character.Acknowledgements; Introduction: Plato's tales of teleology; 1. What is the Timaeus-Critias about?; 2. The status of the Atlantis story; 3. The status of Timaeus' account; 4. Teleology and craftsmanship; 5. Necessity and teleology; 6. Space and motion; 7. Body, soul and tripartitilãp