The "Cratylus" has puzzled many readers with its lengthy discussion of the "true meanings" of more than 100 Greek names. This study aims to provide a coherent interpretation of the whole dialogue, paying particular attention to these etymologies. It discusses the rival theories of names offered by Cratylus, Hermogenes and Socrates, arguing that Socrates presents a prescriptive theory, laying down what names should be, rather than describing what they are. This distinction is further explored and used to illuminate the etymologies themselves. After discussing possible sources for the etymologies, the author argues that the etymological section amounts to a Platonic critique of the muddled attitude of Greek poets and thinkers towards names.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
'"This cogent and well-written book will certainly help to bring the Cratylus" closer to the mainstream of Platonic studies.'
"Greece & Rome, 1994.
'..".a lucidly argued and plausible interpretation of the whole dialogue which will not fail to impress itself on future work in the field.'
T. Tieleman, "Mnemosyne, 1994.
'..".the core of his argument is convincing, and the work can be recommended to anyone interested in ancient Greek views of language...'
Jackson P. Hershbell, "Religious Studies Review, 1993.
'..".this commentary is insightful, carefully elaborated and thoroughly researched.'
Jonathan Lavery, "Canadian Philos. R., 1994.
'"This book is a useful source for anyone seeking a coherent interpretation of the Cratylus" as a whole.'
Matthew K. McCoy, "Review of Metaphysics, 1994.
'"The strength of this book lies in its discussion of the purpose of, and targets of, the long middle section of the Cratylus," which parodies attempts to justify claims about the name of things by appealing to etymologies.'
Richard J. Ketchum, "Ancient Philosophy, 1995.
"Greece & Rome, 1994.
'..".a lucidly argued and plausible interpretation of the whole dialogue which will not fail to impress itself on future work in the field.'
T. Tieleman, "Mnemosyne, 1994.
'..".the core of his argument is convincing, and the work can be recommended to anyone interested in ancient Greek views of language...'
Jackson P. Hershbell, "Religious Studies Review, 1993.
'..".this commentary is insightful, carefully elaborated and thoroughly researched.'
Jonathan Lavery, "Canadian Philos. R., 1994.
'"This book is a useful source for anyone seeking a coherent interpretation of the Cratylus" as a whole.'
Matthew K. McCoy, "Review of Metaphysics, 1994.
'"The strength of this book lies in its discussion of the purpose of, and targets of, the long middle section of the Cratylus," which parodies attempts to justify claims about the name of things by appealing to etymologies.'
Richard J. Ketchum, "Ancient Philosophy, 1995.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
|
There are no customer reviews yet.
|
|||
|
Video reviews
|
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items. |
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
