
Hugh H. Benson explores Plato's answer to Clitophon's challenge, the question of how one can acquire the knowledge Socrates argues is essential to human flourishing-knowledge we all seem to lack. Plato suggests two methods by which this knowledge may be gained: the first is learning from those who already have the knowledge one seeks, and the second is discovering the knowledge one seeks on one's own. The book begins with a brief look at some of the Socratic dialogues where Plato appears to recommend the former approach while simultaneously indicating various difficulties in pursuing it. The remainder of the book focuses on Plato's recommendation in some of his most important and central dialogues-the Meno, Phaedo, and Republic-for carrying out the second approach: de novo inquiry. The book turns first to the famous paradox concerning the possibility of such an inquiry and explores Plato's apparent solution. Having defended the possibility of de novo inquiry as a response to Clitophon's challenge, Plato explains the method or procedure by which such inquiry is to be carried out. The book defends the controversial thesis that the method of hypothesis, as described and practiced in the Meno, Phaedo, and Republic, is, when practiced correctly, Plato's recommended method of acquiring on one's own the essential knowledge we lack. The method of hypothesis when practiced correctly is, then, Platonic dialectic, and this is Plato's response to Clitophon's challenge.
How can an individual acquire the essential knowledge required for human flourishing when such knowledge appears to be universally lacking? Hugh H. Benson, a scholar specializing in ancient philosophy, investigates Plato's response to this problem, known as Clitophon's challenge. By analyzing the Meno, Phaedo, and Republic, Benson argues that Plato proposes a specific method of de novo inquiry—the method of hypothesis—as the primary vehicle for achieving this knowledge.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars recognize this work as a significant contribution to the study of Platonic methodology and the interpretation of his central dialogues. Experts in the field highlight the text as a rigorous examination of how Plato addresses the epistemological challenges inherent in his philosophical system.
Page Count:
328
Publication Date:
2015-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190273100
ISBN-13:
9780190273101
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