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Apprehension and Argument

Ancient Theories of Starting Points for Knowledge

Authors:

  • The first synoptic research in monograph form concerning the theme of starting points for knowledge through the whole period from Plato to the late ancient commentators on Plato and Aristotle
  • Unique in analyzing the most important common features and differences in various ancient theories about what kind of starting points are involved in knowledge
  • Includes in a concise form discussions about some of the most central passages about this theme in the ancient texts
  • Particularly important, because it provides a comprehensive picture of how passages and theories, which are often discussed in separate studies, are connected

Part of the book series: Studies in the History of Philosophy of Mind (SHPM, volume 3)

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Table of contents (3 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XIII
  2. Platonic-Aristotelian Tradition

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 15-16
  3. Alternative Approaches

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 217-218
    2. Hellenistic Philosophy

      Pages 219-287
  4. Back Matter

    Pages 289-327

About this book

In order for there to be knowledge, there must be at least some primary elements which may be called ‘starting points’.

This book offers the first synoptic study of how the primary elements in knowledge structures were analysed in antiquity from Plato to late ancient commentaries, the main emphasis being on the Platonic-Aristotelian tradition. It argues that, in the Platonic-Aristotelian tradition, the question of starting points was treated from two distinct points of view: from the first perspective, as a question of how we acquire basic knowledge; and from the second perspective, as a question of the premises we may immediately accept in the line of argumentation. It was assumed that we acquire some general truths rather naturally and that these function as starting points for inquiry. In the Hellenistic period, an alternative approach was endorsed: the very possibility of knowledge became a central issue when sceptics began demanding that true claims should always be distinguishable from false ones.

Reviews

"[...] provides some extraordinary insights into classical philosophy, insights that may prove to be useful to scholars who are willing to put the effort into pursuing them. [...] a valuable book for scholars of argument and rhetoric who are motivated enough to cross disciplinary lines." (David Hoffman, CUNY Baruch College, in Argumentation and Advocacy 47:1, 2010)

Authors and Affiliations

  • University of Helsinki, Finland

    Miira Tuominen

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access