by Alex Priou (Author)
The modern world began with a critique of ancient philosophy as unscientific and in a decisive attempt to progress beyond it. Over time, however, the promises of the early modern philosophers have become increasingly suspect, while the ancients have come to enjoy greater appeal. DEFENDING SOCRATES articulates Plato's implicit response to the early modern attack through a holistic interpretation of Plato's trilogy of dialogues on the question of knowledge. In THEAETETUS, Socrates attempts to define knowledge with two mathematicians, the young Theaetetus and his teacher Theodorus, but ultimately fails. The following day, Theodorus brings a stranger from the city of Elea to correct Socrates's manner of philosophizing. The stranger presents us with a scientific alternative to Socrates in SOPHIST and STATESMAN. By the end of these dialogues it becomes clear that the obstacles and inconsistencies confronting the stranger's alternative are insurmountable.