Time and space

Journal of the History of Philosophy, 2012

2008

Time does not exist: there is no mysterious substance that would flow everywhere but that one would never see. Time does not flow. Time does not exist alone, time is relation. But space that matters is also relation. It is thus necessary to think time as a non separable way to think space, as relativity theory already implicitly invites us to say. Some consequences of this approach are outlined on a general standpoint and on the point of view of the equations. The difficulty in seizing this point of view puts the mind in front of an epistemological circle, the (provisional) stop of which requires a renouncement of thought: thought is not founded on itself; we cannot avoid sometime to show something of the reality external to thought, and to allot to it some qualities that we are not “sure” of (cf. the postulate of the constancy of light speed). One retrieves the concepts of uncompleteness, uncertainty, undecidable propositions, withdrawal of foundations etc. which are a general char...

Please find here some very, very preliminary notes on the first few sections of Plato's _Timaeus_. These were prepared for a seminar-style discussion of Plato's much-talked-about-but-seldom-understood 'definition' of time as the movable icon of the everlasting. These notes don't quite make it up to that line in Section 37D, but they do frame the dialogue as a whole and begin to discuss its opening remarks on myth, historicity, and the shape of the universe.

Oxford University Press + The New Alexandria Library of Texas , 1928

This Super Rare Commentary provides a scholarly and in-depth analysis of one of Plato's most influential and complex dialogues. As a professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and a Fellow of the British Academy, Taylor brings to the work a combination of philosophical insight and historical rigor. The commentary begins with a thorough investigation into the authenticity of the dialogue, addressing questions of authorship and its attribution to Plato, followed by an analysis of the date of composition, situating Timaeus within the broader context of Platonic thought and its philosophical development. Taylor outlines the general plan of the dialogue, examining its structure and the themes of cosmology, metaphysics, and the nature of the universe, while drawing attention to Plato's unique approach to explaining the origins of the world and the role of divine intelligence in its creation. The commentary also explores the relations of Timaeus to other dialogues, highlighting how it fits within the overall trajectory of Plato’s philosophy, especially in relation to works like The Republic and Phaedo. In addition to the philosophical content, Taylor provides subsidia—valuable resources and references—to aid in the study of the dialogue. This includes proposed divergences from Burnet's text, where Taylor offers critical amendments and alternative readings to the established interpretation of Plato’s work, contributing to ongoing scholarly discourse. The book concludes with detailed notes and indexes of personal names and Greek words, which serve as invaluable tools for scholars and students seeking to navigate the linguistic and historical complexities of the text. Taylor’s commentary is an essential resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of Timaeus, its philosophical implications, and its place in the history of Western thought. In essence, Taylor’s Commentary on Plato's Timaeus is not only an exegesis of Plato’s cosmological vision but also an exploration of the textual and interpretive challenges that continue to shape the study of ancient philosophy. TAGS RELATED TO BOOK BELOW: Plato, Timaeus, A. E. 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