DeepSummary
The transcript is an English translation by Benjamin Jowett of Plato's philosophical dialogue 'Timaeus', which presents an account of the creation of the universe and the origins of humanity. Jowett's comprehensive introduction analyzes the work and discusses Plato's attempts to explain the physical world through reason and mathematics, while incorporating elements of mythology and poetry.
The dialogue itself takes the form of a monologue by the character Timaeus, who outlines a cosmogony beginning with the actions of a benevolent 'demiurge' or divine craftsman who fashions the physical universe after an eternal, ideal model. Timaeus goes on to describe the composition of the universe from elemental constituents, as well as the nature of the human soul and body.
The introduction notes the challenges and inconsistencies in Plato's theories, such as reconciling his abstract metaphysical concepts with material reality. However, it praises 'Timaeus' as representing an important early attempt to provide a rational, unified account of the origins and workings of the cosmos.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The 'Timaeus' represents one of Plato's most comprehensive attempts to provide a philosophical account of the origins of the physical universe and humanity.
- Plato proposes that the cosmos was created by a divine craftsman or 'demiurge' who shaped it according to a perfect, eternal model.
- The dialogue outlines a naturalistic cosmogony grounded in mathematical concepts like proportion and harmony, while incorporating mythological elements.
- Jowett's introduction explores the challenges Plato faced in reconciling his abstract metaphysical ideas with material reality.
- Despite its inconsistencies, the 'Timaeus' is praised for its pioneering effort to construct a unified rational explanation of the universe's creation.
- The work exemplifies Plato's synthesis of poetry, mythology and naturalistic philosophy in grappling with profound cosmological questions.
- Jowett situates the 'Timaeus' in the context of Presocratic and ancient philosophical thought on physics and the nature of reality.
- He examines uncertainties around how the dialogue was intended to relate to Plato's other writings and his overall philosophical system.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Our original design of discoursing about the universe down to the creation of man, is nearly complete.“ by Timaeus
- “Everything that is good is fair, and the fair is not without proportion.“ by Timaeus
- “Plato seems to have thought that there would be impiety in making the attempt.“ by Benjamin Jowett
- “We do not know how Plato would have arranged his own dialogues, or whether the thought of arranging any of them besides the two trilogies which he has expressly connected, was ever present to his mind.“ by Benjamin Jowett
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Episode Information
Classic Audiobook Collection
Classic Literature
6/28/24
Timaeus by Plato audiobook.
'Our intention is, that Timaeus, who is the most of an astronomer amongst us, and has made the nature of the universe his special study, should speak first, beginning with the generation of the world and going down to the creation of man...'
'Timaeus' is usually regarded as one of Plato's later dialogues, and provides an account of the creation of the universe, with physical, metaphysical and ethical dimensions, which had great influence over philosophers for centuries following. It attributes the order and beauty of the universe to a benevolent demiurge - a 'craftsman' or god - fashioning the physical world after the pattern of an ideal, eternal one.
The dramatic setting of the dialogue is the day after a discussion in which Socrates has described his ideal state - as in the 'Republic'. A conversation between Socrates, Critias, Hermocrates and Timaeus, including Critias' account of Solon's journey to Egypt (where he hears the story of Atlantis), soon gives way to the monologue by Timaeus that forms the bulk of the work.
'Timaeus' is translated by Benjamin Jowett and his comprehensive introduction to and analysis of the work precedes the text itself, which he describes as 'the growth of an age in which philosophy is not wholly separated from poetry and mythology'.
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