Introduction

Over the centuries, Plato’s Parmenides has been an enigma for scholars. Scores of interpretations have been published by commentators who cannot seem to come to agreement about the meaning of this dialogue. Why does Parmenides remain fascinating and controversial?

Over the centuries, Plato’s

Parmenides

has been an enigma for scholars. Scores of interpretations have been published by commentators who cannot seem to come to agreement about the meaning of this dialogue. Why does

Parmenides

remain fascinating and controversial?

The fascination is due, in part, to the fact that this dialogue represents the initiation into philosophy of a very young Socrates by the legendary Parmenides of Elea. In addition, Parmenides is one of Plato’s most carefully-crafted works, and yet it

3100 words

Citation: Wood, Kelsey. "Parmenides". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 28 October 2006 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=13438, accessed 19 March 2024.]

13438 Parmenides 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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