History of Philosophy
The Third Man Argument
By , University of Colorado at Boulder (May 2009)
Section: History of Philosophy
Subjects: Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Metaphysics, Ancient and Medieval (pre-C17th).
Places: Europe, Greece, Southern Europe.
Abstract
This paper is a brief discussion of the famous ‘Third Man Argument’ as it appears in Plato's dialogue Parmenides. I mention, criticise and refine the most influential analytic approach to the argument; show that the actual conclusion of the argument is different from the one attributed to it by the majority of scholars; and elaborate two responses to the argument, both of which shed interesting light on the Theory of Forms.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-9991.2009.00220.x
This article abstract has been viewed 2302 times.
Top 5 related articles
-
Whatever Became of the Socratic Elenchus? Philosophical Analysis in Plato
By , University of Massachusetts at Amherst
(Vol. 4, May 2009)
Philosophy Compass -
What is at Stake in the Cartesian Debates on the Eternal Truths?
By , Claremont Graduate University
(Vol. 4, March 2009)
Philosophy Compass -
Russell and the Unity of the Proposition
By , University of Manchester
(Vol. 3, April 2008)
Philosophy Compass -
Socrates and the Laws of Athens
By and , Lynchburg College Lewis and Clark College
(Vol. 1, October 2006)
Philosophy Compass -
Anthony Collins on the Emergence of Consciousness and Personal Identity
By , Oregon State University
(Vol. 4, March 2009)
Philosophy Compass