Myth and Philosophy from the Presocratics to Plato

An exploration of the complex relationship between myth and philosophy in writings by Greek intellectuals.

Kathryn A. Morgan (Author)

9780521621809, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 August 2000

324 pages
23.6 x 15.8 x 2.3 cm, 0.57 kg

"Morgan's work is valuable for the study of both myth and philosophy, a work of which anyone with an interest in these discourses should take note." Bryn Mawr Classical Review

This book explores the dynamic relationship between myth and philosophy in the Presocratics, the Sophists, and in Plato - a relationship which is found to be more extensive and programmatic than has been recognized. The story of philosophy's relationship with myth is that of its relationship with literary and social convention. The intellectuals studied here wanted to reformulate popular ideas about cultural authority and they achieved this goal by manipulating myth. Their self-conscious use of myth creates a self-reflective philosophic sensibility and draws attention to problems inherent in different modes of linguistic representation. Much of the reception of Greek philosophy stigmatizes myth as 'irrational'. Such an approach ignores the important role played by myth in Greek philosophy, not just as a foil but as a mode of philosophical thought. The case studies in this book reveal myth deployed as a result of methodological reflection, and as a manifestation of philosophical concerns.

Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical issues
3. Some Presocratics
4. The sophists and their contemporaries
5. The Protagoras: Platonic myth in the making
6. The range of Platonic myth
7. Plato: myth and the soul
8. Plato: myth and theory
9. Conclusion
Bibliography
Index of passages cited
General index.

Subject Areas: Educational: Languages other than English [YQF], Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA]