Plato’s Cosmology and its Ethical Dimensions

Although a great deal has been written on Plato’s ethics, his cosmology has not received so much attention in recent times, and its importance for his ethical thought has remained under-explored. By offering integrated accounts of Timaeus, Philebus, Politicus and Laws X, the book reveals a strongly symbiotic relation between the cosmic and the human sphere. It is argued that in his late period Plato presents a picture of an organic universe, endowed with structure and intrinsic value, which both urges our respect and calls for our responsible intervention. Humans are thus seen as citizens of a universe that can provide a context for their flourishing even in the absence of good political institutions. The book sheds new light on many intricate metaphysical issues in late Plato, and brings out the close connections between his cosmology and the development of his ethics.

• Treats Plato’s late cosmology in a comprehensive manner • Discusses in detail the little explored relation between his late cosmology and his ethics • Provides new basis for understanding Plato’s late ethics and politics

1. Introduction; 2. Demiurgy in the Timaeus; 3. Cosmic God and human reason in the Timaeus; 4. Creating mixtures in the Philebus; 5. Happiness in the universe of the Philebus; 6. Reversing the myth of the Politicus; 7. Cosmic and human drama in the Politicus; 8. Laws X: first causes and the origin of evil; 9. Conclusion.

‘It is a significant contribution indeed to Plato scholarship - both daring and original. It is sure to be seen as an important work and to be much discussed.’

– C. D. C. Reeve, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill