The Cratylus

Erscheinungsjahr 1992
ISBN: 978-90-04-09597-7
Verlag: Koninklijke Brill BV

Buch, Englisch, 206 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 484 g

Reihe: Brill

The Cratylus has puzzled many readers with its lengthy discussion of the 'true meanings' of more than a hundred Greek names. This book aims to give a coherent interpretation of the whole dialogue, paying particular attention to these etymologies.
The book discusses the rival theories of naming offered by Cratylus, Hermogenes, and Socrates, arguing that Socrates presents a prescriptive theory, laying down what names should be, rather than describing what they are. This distinction between prescriptive and descriptive theories is elaborated and used to illuminate the etymologies themselves. After discussing possible sources for the etymologies, the author argues that the etymological section amounts to a Platonic critique of the muddled attitude of Greek poets and thinkers towards names.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Baxter, Timothy M.S.

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Geschichte der Westlichen Philosophie Antike Philosophie

Über Autor(innen)

Timothy M.S. Baxter holds a Ph.D. in Ancient Philosophy from the University of Cambridge, thesis: Problems of the Cratylus. He currently works at the Department of Health in London.