In Philebum: A Speculative Reflection
Ebook
This commentary on Plato's Philebus reconciles a close analysis of the text with a new interpretation of the dialogue. In Philebum focuses on the overarching metaphysical and cosmological coherency of the dialogue rather than its ethical import. This interpretation contrasts with the more common segmented philological analysis of this most evocative of Platonic dialogues. Plato's late ontology and theory of an immanent Good portray a very different philosophical terrain than that of the transcendental visions of the Good found in other dialogues. The final chapter of In Philebum, entitled "The Life of the Speculative Philosopher," extends this analysis of the dialogue to contemporary speculative philosophy. Based on Plato's portrayal of a fourfold onto-cosmology and of the Good as measurability, proportionality, and intelligence, In Philebum makes connections between the doctrine of measured order-relations, triadicity, quadratic structure, and self-explanation that figure predominantly in contemporary speculative philosophy. It is intended for a broader audience of readers of Plato as well as for graduate students and commentators on Plato. In Philebum contains a Prolegomenon on the controversies surrounding the structural divisions of the Philebus as well as an up-to-date bibliography and general index.
“Francis K. Peddle’s In Philebum gives us an original and masterful reading of Plato’s Philebus. This dialectical pathway to speculative philosophy is a welcome departure from the influential dialogical ethics of Hans-Georg Gadamer and Donald Davidson of the last century. The evocation of Renaissance Platonist Marsilio Ficino suggests further thought on order by means of four. I hope so. This work is a stellar contribution to Foro di Studi Avanzati, a delightful series of studies in philosophy.”
—Craig Cramm, lecturer and adjunct professor of philosophy, Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador
“At the root of Francis K. Peddle’s reflections on Plato’s Philebus lies the thesis that this late dialogue is fundamentally an outline of an integrated onto-cosmology that provides a detailed framework for the good life. The individual, understood as a complex of measure-relations, is given a thoroughgoing firmament in the Philebus for achievement in the arts and sciences as well as a roadmap for a balanced practical ethics. In Philebum adds significantly to the tradition of philosophical interpretation of this extraordinarily rich dialogue.”
—Mark Nyvlt, North American director, Foro di Studi Avanzati
- Title: In Philebum: A Speculative Reflection
- Author: Francis K. Peddle
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666761375, 9781666761351, 1666761354, 9781666761368, 1666761362, 1666761370
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666761375
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-12T22:09:34Z
Francis K. Peddle is professor of philosophy at Dominican University College, Ottawa, Canada.