The Platonism of Proclus : taking Plato seriously / Lloyd P. Gerson, University of Toronto.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gerson, Lloyd P., Author.

Series:

Cambridge texts and studies in Platonism.

Cambridge texts and studies in Platonism

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Proclus, approximately 410-485. Alcibiades I.

Proclus.

Proclus, approximately 410-485. In Platonis Cratylum commentaria.

Proclus, approximately 410-485. In Platonis Rem publicam.

Proclus, approximately 410-485. In Parmenidem.

Proclus, approximately 410-485. On the Timaeus.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xi, 313 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2026.

Summary:

This book argues that the key to understanding the philosophical connections between Plato and Proclus is found in Proclus' extant commentaries on the dialogues. Although none are complete, they comprise some 3000 pages of detailed exegesis and philosophical argument. Lloyd P. Gerson examines each of these commentaries and demonstrates how Proclus' constructive metaphysics is dedicated to filling in 'gaps' in Plato's own presentation of a philosophical system, gaps that Plato himself repeatedly flags in the dialogues. He shows that Proclus draws out many of the implications of what Plato says, supplies major premises in arguments that are missing, and makes crucial distinctions in terminology that are only implicit in Plato. Gerson asks whether Plato's philosophy and Proclus' philosophy stand or fall together and argues that the answer is highly relevant to understanding the nature of the dominant philosophical doctrine in the West for 2,000 years, namely, Platonism.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 28 Jul 2026).

ISBN:

9781009790819