Theaetetus – Plato – Translated by Robin Waterfield (1994)
Theaetetus by Plato
This dialogue, penned by Plato, centers on a sustained inquiry into the nature of knowledge. The conversation, primarily between Socrates and the young mathematician Theaetetus, attempts to arrive at a satisfactory definition of knowledge, progressing through various proposals and systematically dismantling them. The initial definitions explored concern knowledge as perception, and then as true judgment. These are ultimately found wanting, leading to a more complex exploration involving the ‘account’ or *logos* as an essential component of knowledge.
Historical / Cultural Context
Written around 369 BC, *Theaetetus* appears within the middle period of Plato’s work, alongside dialogues like *Parmenides* and *Sophist*. This period is marked by a shift away from the more straightforwardly idealistic portrayals of earlier works like the *Republic*. *Theaetetus* engages with increasingly sophisticated arguments and displays a heightened awareness of the difficulties inherent in establishing firm foundations for knowledge. The dialogue reflects the intellectual climate of Athens in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War, a period characterized by questioning of traditional values and a rise in Sophistic thought, which emphasized rhetoric and relativistic views of truth. Theaetetus himself was a historical figure, a mathematician and general who died in battle, adding a layer of poignant realism to the philosophical inquiry.
Who This Book Is For
*Theaetetus* is primarily suited for readers with a foundational interest in philosophy, specifically those curious about epistemology – the study of knowledge. It’s a challenging text, demanding close reading and careful consideration of abstract concepts. While accessible to dedicated general readers, it’s frequently utilized within academic settings for courses on Plato, ancient Greek philosophy, and the theory of knowledge. It’s also valuable for those interested in the history of mathematics and its relationship to philosophical thought.
Further Reading
- Republic by Plato: Provides a broader context for Plato’s philosophical system, including his theory of Forms, which underlies much of his epistemology.
- Parmenides by Plato: Another dialogue deeply engaged with the problem of definition and the nature of being, offering a continuation of the epistemological concerns found in *Theaetetus*.
- Sophist by Plato: Directly follows *Theaetetus* in many manuscripts and continues the exploration of being and non-being, developing tools for philosophical argumentation.
- Meditations on First Philosophy by René Descartes: A later, foundational text in epistemology, grappling with similar questions about the certainty of knowledge and the nature of the self.
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