Φαίδων 96a-102a: η πλατωνική κριτική των προσωκρατικών

This excerpt, part of Platonic dialogue Phaedo -in indirect speech narrative, stylistic and genre innovation of Plato- examines through Socrates and the participants the general problem of physics and cause, as well as the idea as a cause of birth, decay and existence. The aim of our approach is to record firstly the views of pre-Socratic philosophers, especially Anaxagoras, on knowledge and sensory perception, as described by Socrates, and to compare them with our modern perceptions of pre-Socratics and their philosophy. Then, we will identify the main points of the Platonic critique of these views by examining the content of the “second voyage” attempted by the philosopher. Finally, we’ll try to highlight the ontological and epistemological role and character of ideas.