The hypothetical method in Plato's middle dialogues
The purpose of this dissertation is to offer an interpretation of Plato's hypothetical method in his middle dialogues. The hypothetical method is given in three accounts, one in the Meno, the Phaedo and the Republic. These three accounts of the method besides their affinities, seem to present some differences. The first main problem is to see whether we can speak of one single method, or of three different hypothetical method. Plato, in the Meno (86e) says that his method is similar to one which the geometers use and gives as an elucidation of it, an obscure geometrical problem to which I offer a new solution. The second main problem of this dissertation is to examine whether there is any relation (and if there is, of what kind) between Plato's accounts of the hypothetical method and the various methodologies in Greek geometry at that time. I show In this dissertation that we have one method, in a broad sense, that employs hypotheses and proceeds in two ways: firstly, a way upwards (or backwards) towards the premisses of the argument or towards prior questions and, secondly, a way downwards from the premisses to the desired conclusion. The upward way is a heuristic process, whilst the downward one is deductive.
KarasmanÄs, VasilÄs
Hypothesis
The hypothetical method in Plato's middle dialogues. The purpose of this dissertation is to offer an interpretation of Plato's hypothetical method in his middle dialogues. The hypothetical method is given in three accounts, one in the Meno, the Phaedo and the Republic. These three accounts of the method besides their affinities, seem to present some differences. The first main problem is to see whether we can speak of one single method, or of three different hypothetical method. Plato, in the Meno (86e) says that his method is similar to one which the geometers use and gives as an elucidation of it, an obscure geometrical problem to which I offer a new solution. The second main problem of this dissertation is to examine whether there is any relation (and if there is, of what kind) between Plato's accounts of the hypothetical method and the various methodologies in Greek geometry at that time. I show In this dissertation that we have one method, in a broad sense, that employs hypotheses and proceeds in two ways: firstly, a way upwards (or backwards) towards the premisses of the argument or towards prior questions and, secondly, a way downwards from the premisses to the desired conclusion. The upward way is a heuristic process, whilst the downward one is deductive.
hypothetical method plato middle dialogue purpose offer_interpretation plato hypothetical method middle dialogue hypothetical method give account republic account method besides affinity seem present difference first main problem see_whether speak single method three_different hypothetical method plato say method similar use give elucidation obscure problem offer_new solution second main problem examine_whether relation kind plato account hypothetical method various methodology greek geometry time show method broad_sense employ hypothesis proceeds way_firstly way upwards backwards towards premiss argument towards prior question secondly way downwards premiss desire conclusion upward way heuristic process whilst downward deductive