NUMBER IN PLATO’S PHILEBUS Cover Image

ЧИСЛО В «ФИЛЕБЕ» ПЛАТОНА
NUMBER IN PLATO’S PHILEBUS

Author(s): Andrey Shetnikov
Subject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Новосибирский государственный университет
Keywords: Arithmetic; dialectics; music; ancient science

Summary/Abstract: The paper concerns the concept of number (arithmos), important for dialectical method of later Plato. It becomes clear that the arithmos in Plato’s dialectics should be understood as a concrete operation, a sort of tekhne, such as counting, enumeration, compilation of a comprehensive and systematic list, etc., rather then the theoretical number of abstract arithmetic. The author analyses a series of grammatical, musical and rhetorical examples, supplied by Plato in the Philebus and other dialogues, and traces the usage of arithmos and similar words in the earlier tradition, particularly, in Homer, Hesiod, the classical tragedy, and Herodotus.

  • Issue Year: III/2009
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 450-465
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Russian