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The Cratylus : Plato's critique of naming
Title
The Cratylus : Plato's critique of naming / by Timothy M.S. Baxter.
ISBN
9789004320796
9789004095977
Publication
Leiden ; New York : E.J. Brill, 1992.
Physical Description
1 online resource (viii, 203 pages)
Local Notes
Access is available to the Yale community.
Access and use
Access restricted by licensing agreement.
Summary
The Cratylus has puzzled many readers with its lengthy discussion of the 'true meanings' of more than a hundred Greek names. This book aims to give a coherent interpretation of the whole dialogue, paying particular attention to these etymologies. The book discusses the rival theories of naming 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 between prescriptive and descriptive theories is elaborated 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.
Variant and related titles
Philosophia antiqua online launch collection.
Other formats
Online version: Baxter, Timothy M.S., 1964- Cratylus. Leiden ; New York : E.J. Brill, 1992
Format
Books / Online
Language
English
Added to Catalog
October 19, 2023
Series
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. 188-193) and indexes.
Contents
Preliminary material
INTRODUCTION
THE THEORIES OF CRATYLUS AND HERMOGENES
THE THEORY OF SOCRATES
PLATO'S IDEAL THEORY: CONTRASTS AND COMPARISONS
THE ETYMOLOGIES OF THE CRATYLUS
ETYMOLOGIES AND ETYMOLOGISTS
THE REFUTATION OF CRATYLUS
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GENERAL INDEX
PHILOSOPHIA ANTIQUA by J. MANSFELD , D.T. RUNIA , W.J. VERDENIUS and J.C.M. van WINDEN.
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