By Hugh H. Benson
Hugh H. Benson explores Plato's solution to Clitophon's problem, the query of the way you may collect the information Socrates argues is vital to human flourishing-knowledge all of us appear to lack. Plato indicates equipment through which this information can be received: the 1st is studying from those that have already got the data one seeks, and the second one is researching the information one seeks on one's personal.
The ebook starts with a short examine a number of the Socratic dialogues the place Plato seems to suggest the previous technique whereas concurrently indicating numerous problems in pursuing it. the rest of the booklet specializes in Plato's suggestion in a few of his most crucial and primary dialogues-the Meno, Phaedo, and Republic-for engaging in the second one technique: de novo inquiry. The publication turns first to the recognized paradox in regards to the danger of such an inquiry and explores Plato's obvious answer. Having defended the opportunity of de novo inquiry as a reaction to Clitophon's problem, Plato explains the strategy or approach wherein such inquiry is to be performed. The publication defends the arguable thesis that the strategy of speculation, as defined and practiced within the Meno, Phaedo, and Republic, is, whilst practiced thoroughly, Plato's prompt approach to buying on one's personal the fundamental wisdom we lack. the tactic of speculation whilst practiced properly is, then, Platonic dialectic, and this is often Plato's reaction to Clitophon's challenge.
"This is a brand new ebook on a severely vital subject, technique, because it is explored in 3 of an important works via the most vital philosophers within the very lengthy background of philosophy, written through a student of foreign stature who's operating from decades of expertise and at the moment on the most sensible of his video game. It provides to be essentially the most very important books ever written in this subject."-Nicholas Smith, James F. Miller Professor of Humanities, Lewis and Clark College
"The thesis is daring and the consequences are very important for our realizing of a few of the main studied and arguable dialogues via and philosophical theses in Plato. in my opinion, Hugh Benson's exam of the strategy of speculation within the Meno and the Phaedo is a journey de strength of refined and cautious scholarship: i believe that this a part of the booklet can be followed because the general interpretation of this simple inspiration in Plato. a superb and significant book."-Charles Brittain, Susan Linn Sage Professor of Philosophy and Humane Letters, Cornell University