Plato and the Foundations of Metaphysics: A Work on the Theory of the Principles and Unwritten Doctrines of Plato with a Collection of the Fundamental DocumentsThis is a book about the relationship of the two traditions of Platonic interpretation -- the indirect and the direct traditions, the written dialogues and the unwritten doctrines. Kramer, who is the foremost proponent of the Tubingen School of interpretation, presents the unwritten doctrines as the crown of Plato's system and the key revealing it. Kramer unfolds the philosophical significance of the unwritten doctrines in their fullness. He demonstrates the hermeneutic fruitfulness of the unwritten doctrines when applied to the dialogues. He shows that the doctrines are a revival of the presocratic theory renovated and brought to a new plane through Socrates. In this way, Plato emerges as the creator of classical metaphysics. In the Third Part, Kramer compares the structure of Platonism, as construed by the Tubingen School, with current philosophical structures such as analytic philosophy, Hegel, phenomenology, and Heidegger. Of the five appendices, the most important presents English translations of the ancient testimonies on the unwritten doctrines. These include the "self-testimonies of Plato." There is also a bibliography on the problem of the unwritten doctrines. |
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Academy according addition already Appendix argument Aristotle aspects basic basis beginning belongs character complete concept concerning connected consequently considered constitution consult contained contrary corresponds criticism definition derived determined developed dialectic dialogues distinction elements especially evident example existence explained expression fact final followers foundation function fundamental further Gaiser grounded hand Hegel hence historical ideal Ideas identity important indirect tradition interpretation Introduction knowledge Kramer limited literary logic maintained manner mathematical means measure metaphysics method multiplicity nature numbers objects ontological opposites oral original Parmenides particular Phaedrus philosophy Plat Plato position possible precisely presented principles problem question reason referred reflection regard relation reports Republic respect result Schleiermacher sense Seventh Letter Socrates speak sphere structure systematic Test theoretical theory things thought tion understood unity universal unwritten doctrine whole writings written