Plato's Pod: Dialogue on Theaetetus (Part 1, to 164(b))

Is knowledge simply perception, as Theaetetus the mathematician believes at the outset of Plato’s dialogue on knowledge, when each of us perceives differently? Such a view, as Socrates states, is like that of Protagoras who said, “Man is the measure of all things: of the things which are, that they are, and of the things which are not, that they are not.”

If Protagoras and Theaetetus are correct, Socrates asks, what equips human perception – in the present state of coming to be – with the infallible capacity to distinguish between being and non-being? When all of physics is in continuous motion, what enables us to draw the perfect line between that which “is” and that which “is not”? Is such a perfection possible, or even desirable?

As we conclude our first season of Plato’s Pod with the first of two discussions on The Theaetetus (covering about 24 pages to 164(b)), we can reflect on the episodes that brought us to this point. We can reconsider the universal construction in Timaeus, the differences between the general forms and the particulars that we considered in Phaedrus, the science of self in Charmides, and knowledge as the account of the reasons why as Socrates relates in Meno. And as we form our own account of knowledge, we can begin to think about the divided line that Plato presents in The Republic, and the oneness of nature in Parmenides, both of which will feature in season two.

Our episode will be recorded in voice only without video, using first name as it appears on your screen profile. Our dialogue will be podcast at https://rss.com/podcasts/platospod/ for those who would like to share in our knowledge. After the recording ends, participants are welcome to remain with us for a half hour of “Plato’s Café”, a casual discussion of your choice of themes from any of Plato’s works, or philosophy in general.

Wherever we go in our discussions we gain knowledge from each other’s perspectives, and for the increase in knowledge we invite everyone to add their voice to the dialogue. Plato, without a doubt, would have imagined no better way than in dialogue for knowledge – the account of the reasons why – to find its home.

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APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MEETUP: Please visit https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqvPwkIofv4UaFldrPpbva3VSXI?e=3Y7PjP for questions and themes that we might address, as well as those explored in our previous meetups. We will also post the reading list for our next meeting which will generally be scheduled every two weeks on Sunday at 10 a.m. eastern. During our dialogue, participants are encouraged to relate their comments to Plato's text, referring to the Stephanus marginal number for the passage so others can follow in the reading. Participants are also encouraged to read the text aloud so that the meaning of the written word can resonate.

There are many translations of Plato's works available, of varying quality. Your public library will have multiple electronic and printed editions. A free translation of The Theaetetus is available at https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/1726, although the text lacks explanatory notes and passage reference numbers that would be useful to follow in our discussion. Participants in our entire series might be interested in purchasing Plato: Complete Works (https://www.amazon.ca/Plato-Complete-Works/dp/0872203492/).

Whether new to or experienced with Plato, all are welcome to the dialogue and to sharing in the discovery and learning.

The Meetup will take place on Zoom. Please RSVP to access the Zoom link at your Meetup account.