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If we are to believe Socrates, motion occurs not only by change of position in space but also by alteration of state. By Socrates’ example, an object that remains in place nonetheless grows old or may change colour, thereby moving from one state of being to another state of being, and therefore each of us is capable of choice in two types of motion.

By what measurements do we weigh our choices of motion, and with what fragments of knowledge and combinations in wisdom, if by universal franchise we have the capacity to select between two patterns that Socrates says have been set up in the reality of being and non-being? In dialogue with Theaetetus and Theodorus, Socrates probes the logical connections that lead to the one pattern that is supremely happy in contrast to its partner the pattern of the deepest unhappiness.

In our own discussion, actively exploring and passively observing the frontiers of knowledge, we can appreciate the challenges of measurement as we intermediate two opposing arguments with which we will end our reading of the second part of Plato’s transcendent dialogue. If Protagoras is correct that man is the measure of all things, then does measurement not require at least two limits so that one can be weighed against the other? In selecting limits, do we believe they are all immeasurably in flux according to the argument of Heraclitus, or do we accept the opposing view of Parmenides that all limits combine to one that is fixed and changeless?

As we bring season one of Plato’s Pod to a close and look forward to beginning season two in September with a focus on The Republic and Parmenides, we welcome the sharing of all perspectives.

Our episode will be recorded in voice only without video, using first name as it appears on your screen profile, and 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.

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