Plato, Metaphysics and the Forms

Plato, Metaphysics and the Forms Synopsis

This is an important new monograph on Plato's metaphysics, focusing on the theory of the forms, which is the central philosophical concept in Plato's theory.Few philosophical doctrines have been as influential and as widely discussed as Plato's theory of Forms; yet few have been as misunderstood. Most philosophers, following the recommendation of Aristotle, regard the Forms as abstract entities. However, this view is difficult to square with other aspects of Plato's thought, in particular his theory of knowledge.Francis A. Grabowski aims to dissociate the theory of Forms from its Aristotelian reception, by interpreting it within the larger framework of Plato's philosophy. Grabowski notes that the theory emerged largely from epistemological concerns. He shows that the ancients conceived of knowledge almost exclusively as a perception-like acquaintance with things. He goes on to examine Plato's epistemology and shows that Plato also regards knowledge as the mind being directly acquainted with its object. Grabowski argues that, by modelling knowledge on perception, Plato could not have conceived of the Forms as Aristotle and others have claimed. He concludes that an interpretation of the Forms as concrete rather than abstract entities provides a more plausible and coherent view of Plato's overall philosophical project.

Plato, Metaphysics and the Forms Press Reviews

Review in Philosophie Antique, 2009 a book worth reading A.H. Lesser, The international journal of the platonic tradition, 2009 'Grabowski offers a challenge to the widespread view that Plato's Forms are universal properties ... Any serious student of Plato's metaphysics should find stimulating and rewarding Grabowski's carefully and lucidly crafted interpretation.' Herbert Granger, Professor of Philosophy, Wayne State University, USA a book worth reading A.H. Lesser, The international journal of the platonic tradition, 2009

Book Information

ISBN:	9780826497802
Publication date:	24th April 2008
Author:	Francis A. Grabowski
Publisher:	Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd. an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format:	Hardback
Pagination:	192 pages
Categories:	Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500, Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology,

About Francis A. Grabowski

Francis A. Grabowski is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Rogers State University, USA.

More About Francis A. Grabowski