Benjamin Jowett / Plato
Parmenides delves into a profound philosophical discussion centered around Socrates’ challenge to the revered Parmenides and Zeno. Employing the reductio ad absurdum method, Zeno argues against the pluralist view that things can be both like and unlike, which Socrates counters by introducing the concept of Forms, distinct from sensibles. This sets the stage for Parmenides to scrutinize Socrates’ Theory of Forms through a series of intricate arguments. The latter part of the dialogue shifts to Parmenides guiding a young Aristoteles through a challenging exercise in dialectic, further exploring themes of unity, plurality, and the nature of existence.Parmenides is significant for its deep exploration of the Theory of Forms, where Parmenides critiques Socrates’ ideas through a series of intricate arguments, pushing the boundaries of philosophical thought on the nature of reality, unity, and plurality. This work’s historical importance lies in its profound influence on subsequent philosophical discourse, highlighting complex themes and inspiring extensive scholarly debate on metaphysics and epistemology.This case laminate collector’s edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.
