Philosophos

Mary Louise Gill's Philosophos delves into the absence of Plato's promised dialogue on the philosopher, exploring its pedagogical significance and encouraging reader engagement.

In Philosophos, Mary Louise Gill offers an intriguing exploration of the absence of Plato's promised dialogue on the philosopher. She posits that this missing work was intentionally left unwritten, serving as a catalyst for readers to engage deeply with the philosophical concepts presented in Plato's existing dialogues, particularly the Sophist and the Statesman. By doing so, Gill encourages a more active form of philosophical inquiry, prompting readers to construct their own understanding of the philosopher's role and characteristics.

Gill connects the missing dialogue to a broader series of Plato's works, beginning with the Theaetetus, which investigates the nature of knowledge. She argues that these dialogues are not merely standalone discussions but part of a cohesive philosophical exercise designed to train students in dialectic, the method employed by philosophers. The Parmenides plays a crucial role in this framework, as it introduces a philosophical exercise that is echoed throughout the series, ultimately leading to the elusive portrayal of the philosopher.

Through her analysis, Gill reveals how the search for the philosopher within these dialogues is more than just an academic exercise; it is a transformative journey for the student. By mastering the dialectical methods hidden within Plato's texts, students not only uncover the missing pieces of the philosophical puzzle but also embark on their own path to becoming philosophers. In Philosophos, Gill successfully illustrates the pedagogical purpose behind Plato's enigmatic approach to philosophy, inviting readers to engage with the material in a meaningful way.