Date of Award

1-1-2015

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Philosophy

Content Description

1 online resource (v, 178 pages)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Nathan Powers

Committee Members

PD Magnus, Robert Howell

Keywords

cognition, epistemology, Plato, psychology, Theaetetus, Sophists (Greek philosophy), Cognition, Perception (Philosophy)

Subject Categories

Philosophy

Abstract

This dissertation traces metaphysical, epistemological and cognitive developments in Plato’s canon from his earlier Euthydemus and Charmides to his great work on epistemology, the Theaetetus. I argue that Plato’s confrontation with eristic (the methodology of his philosophical predecessors, the sophists) presents him with a serious epistemological challenge that can only be met through the development of a philosophical theory of cognition and perception. I also argue that the Theaetetus only appears to be an aporetic dialogue; read in the context of Plato's earlier work, it actually offers a series of refutations aimed at the theoretical assumptions that underpin the practice of sophistic eristic. I conclude by suggesting that the results of the Theaetetus’ arguments make possible his mature metaphysical and linguistic theory offered in the Sophist.

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