
Plato's Theory of Explanation
A Study of the Cosmological Account in the Timaeus
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Description
Here is the question: what constitutes a good explanation of phenomena? Whereas true being (forms) can be known through dialectic, concrete phenomena can only be explained. An explanation is verisimilar of dialectical knowledge as concrete things are images of eternal ones. Ashbaugh shows how Plato subtly develops the notion of imaging and explaining, accounting for how physical things can be different from forms and how they are connected to forms.
Reviews
"The central thesis regarding the development of 'verisimilar' explanation and its relation to 'true' explanation is thought-provoking, generally well-developed and should prove controversial in the best sense of the word. " — Drew A. Hyland, Trinity College
"In contrast to this discussion, the contemporary arguments about mind mirroring nature are hopelessly crude. " — Robert Cummings Neville, Boston University