Cosmic Time and Time of Action in Plato’ Statesman

Authors

  • Marcelo Perine

Keywords:

myth, time, cosmology, anthropology.

Abstract

In the Statesman myth (268d-274e) elements of Platonic cosmology, theology, and anthropology can be found. These elements, although presented in a mythological narrative, are not only not in contradiction with Plato's direct formulations, but also help in the understanding and interpreting of them. This paper aims to show that: a) cosmic time in the age of Zeus is under divine government; b) this divine government does not exclude but requires human autonomy; c) the inclusion of human action in the cosmic context is essential to understanding the meaning and reach of human autonomy; d)Plato's description of the cosmos is crucial to understanding his ethicalpolitical preoccupations.

Published

2015-10-02

Issue

Section

Articles