http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
rethinking the relationship between ethics and epistemology
Plato's Pragmatism offers the first comprehensive defense of a pragmatist reading of Plato. According to Plato, the ultimate rational goal is not to accumulate knowledge and avoid falsehood but rather to live an excellent human life. The book contends that a pragmatic outlook is present throughout the Platonic corpus. The authors argue that the successful pursuit of a good life requires cultivating certain ethical commitments, and that maintaining these commitments often requires violating epistemic norms. In the course of defending the pragmatist interpretation, the authors present a forceful Platonic argument for the conclusion that the value of truth has its limits and that what matters most are one's ethical commitments and the courage to live up to them. Their interpretation has far-reaching consequences in that it reshapes how we understand the relationship between Plato's ethics and epistemology. Plato's Pragmatism will appeal to scholars and advanced students of Plato and ancient philosophy. It will also be of interest to those working on current controversies in ethics and epistemology.
Beneficial falsehoods in the Republic : the priority of the practical -- Ethical commitments and persuasion in the laws -- The ring of Gyges and the nature of ethical commitments -- Charming away the fear of death in the Phaedo -- Better, braver, and less idle : faith and inquiry in the Meno -- Absurdity and speciousness in the Protagoras and the Euthydemus -- Philosophers, soul parts, and false beliefs in the Republic -- Truthful gods and the limits of divine assimilation.
Includes bibliographical references (pages [218]-233) and index.