Pre-Cosmic Necessity in Plato's Timaeus

Apeiron 44 (3):287-305 (2011)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

One aim of this paper is to bring to the surface the problems with the traditional, non-literal interpretation of the pre-cosmos in the Timaeus. Contrary to this traditional interpretation, I show that Necessity is an ateleological cause capable of bringing about the events in the pre-cosmos, and that Intelligence is a teleological cause that produces effects only for the sake of maximizing the good. I conclude that there are no grounds for supposing that Intelligence is a causal force operating in the pre-cosmos, and that the account of the pre-cosmos should be taken literally: it is an account of the works of Necessity alone.

Author's Profile

Elizabeth Jelinek
Christopher Newport University

Analytics

Added to PP
2013-10-27

Downloads
284 (#52,192)

6 months
95 (#37,304)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?