Customer Reviews

Plato: Timaeus (Focus Philosophical Library)

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The Timaeus is doubtless one of the most difficult of Plato's dialogues for modern student to unravel, in part because of the vital role played by mathematics in Timaeus' narrative. Kalkavage's appendices provide clear introductions to these aspects of the argument, which supersede Cornford on some points. The translation is very literal, and if that's your thing, quite impeccable. Kalkavage in his Introduction expresses intellectual debts to Jacob Klein, Richard Kennington, and Stanley Rosen; this is a most interesting pedigree, especially as one assumes that the absence of the obvious "fourth" must be intentional.

I should remark, in reference to the review below, that the Timaeus presupposes some familiarity with Plato's philosophy; those just embarking on this study would be best advised to begin with the Alcibiades or the Meno.

This is a beautiful book. Kalkavage has produced an inexpensive translation of the TIMAEUS that is ideal for undergraduate use, yet has something to teach students of Plato at every level of accomplishment. Kalkavage's translation is clear, precise, and easy to read, and includes a host of features that aid in the study of the dialogue: a long introductory essay, an outline of the TIMAEUS, footnotes, an extensive glossary of important terms, and appendices on music, astonomy, and geometry. The introductory essay is especially valuable, as it renders visible the dramatic and political context of Timaeus's cosmology in a way that makes possible a fresh understanding of the TIMAEUS's deepest implications.

Plato's Timaeus by Peter Kalkavage includes the Kalkavage translation of the Dialogue and two supporting sections, the introduction and the glossary, that are integral to the richness of the book. The Dialogue portion is beautifully translated and very readable. The introduction provides a fascinating treatise for the person wanting to understand the Timaeus as well as how Platonic dialogues generally might be approached. The glossary is not simply a list of terms and definitions, but offers an explanation of the concepts embedded in the language of the Dialogue. Peter Kalkavage's Timaeus is not just for scholars. It offers insight for all those interested in Greek philosophy, Platonic dialogues and in particular, Plato's view of the creation of the cosmos and man's place within it.

In addition to a serviceable translation of Plato's Timaeus, this edition also contains a series of appendices concerning the musical, astronomical, and geometrical background to the dialogue. Much of the cosmology in the dialogue deals with perplexing numerical ratios and descriptions of geometrical solids constructed from various plane figures. The appendices provide short yet detailed explanations of the mathematical and other problems involved. If it is not already clear that the 9:8, 5:4, and other ratios explain Pythagorean problems in tuning string instruments, or if you just can't quite visualize or construct the various solids built of the different kinds of triangles, then buy this book for the appendices. It's worth it.

Kalkavage's translation closely follows the Greek text; Donald Zeyl's translation is arguably more readable, but being easier to read, it follows the Greek less closely. The two translations and their notes are complementary.

I have a big green book with all of Plato's dialogues and it is gibberish compared to this translation. The introduction is great and the book is poetry.

This edition has one of the best literal translation, which is critical in understanding numerous technical descriptions of the cosmos.
The interpretive essay is extremely helpful.
There are many ways of interpreting Timaeus: First, as a description of the cosmos itself (unfortunately Plato was not part of the natural science revolutions in the past 2000 years, so this way of interpreting Timaeus is not quite the right way). Second, as a historial document to be compared to other natural sciences of his time. Or, third, as how it fits into Plato's overall works. Kalkavage takes the last approach. I must say that his attempt to link this to the Republic gives me valuable insight in understanding Republic itself. For example he compares Timaeus as the "comos in speech" just as Kallipolis is the "city in speech". Also, there is a compelling argument on linking: soul-city-cosmos.
I find it helpful also to read Cornford's Plato's Cosmology. This book has a detail description of what Plato's cosmos looks like. An indespensible companion to Kalkavage's book.

In Plato's Timaeus the reader will encounter the divine philosopher's cosmogony, dealing with the creation of the universe and the formation of the human species. Timaeus of Locri, the Pythagorean, takes the lead role in the dialogue. It may be declared that the Timaeus is a philosophical discourse that ascends to a level of intellectual sublimity and aesthetic beauty that has seldom been attained in the pages of western philosophy; and its impact was such that it inspired a whole line of platonic-minded men throughout antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Even today, the Timaeus has not lost its philosophical appeal. Now the basic elements of Timaeus' dissertation deal with the creation of the universe, the immortal gods, mortal man, animate, and inanimate entities: and out of this immerges Plato's famed Theory of Forms, his conception of the Demiurge and World Soul, along with implications pointing to the doctrines of Anamnesis and the Transmigration of Souls. Overall the Timaeus, like the Republic, is required reading for students of Plato and those interested in the western philosophical tradtion.

This is presented in dialogue style with an introduction by the
author. Both were a waste of time, at least for me, so that
if you intended to transmit some sort of knowledge or learning
it certainly was not done by this book.

Just from looking at it, I was sure it would have some piece
of meat that would make my life easier, but alas, I became
bogged down trying to determine what was being said, was it true,
or was someone pulling my leg. If this is the source of the
story of Atlantis, I sure would not be looking for that place
based upon this writing.

I did not like it, mainly because it did not transmit any
type of knowledge or learning for me. Maybe I'm stupid, but then
...well.....maybe.