Neste artigo pretendemos apontar aspectos da composição de Cícero, em Academica e De finibus, que... more Neste artigo pretendemos apontar aspectos da composição de Cícero, em Academica e De finibus, que indiquem o contraste que ele mesmo estabelece entre duas correntes da Academia de Platão: a que ele representa e que se desenvolve entre Arcésilas e Fílon de Larissa; e aquela representada por Antíoco de Ascalão, um antigo discípulo de Fílon que teria mudado radicalmente de filosofia, assumindo influências estoicas. Nosso objetivo é mostrar como Cícero constrói dramaticamente essa disputa pelo legado platônico, com ênfase nas perspectivas dos personagens-especialmente no que tange à compreensão da importância de Sócrates para a filosofia de Platão-e nas emoções que lhes são atribuídas pelo Cícero escritor.
Resumo: O presente escrito ocupa-se em realizar uma exposição dos argumentos
filosóficos utiliz... more Resumo: O presente escrito ocupa-se em realizar uma exposição dos argumentos
filosóficos utilizados por Sexto Empírico para examinar o tema da existência de deus(es) presente no texto do Contra os físicos (1-194). Sendo assim, será apresentado um conjunto de concepções dogmáticas ateístas, teístas e aporéticas que tentam dar alguma definição sobre a existência do(s) ser(es) divino(s), mas que, do ponto de vista de Sexto,culminam na suspensão do juízo, pois tais asserções são equipolentes e conflitantes entre si.
Abstract: This paper aims to present the philosophical arguments used by Sextus
Empiricus in his investigation about the theme of the existence of god(s) in his work Against Physicists (1-194). Thus, a set of dogmatic conceptions will be presented:
atheistic, theistic and aporetic ones, which try to give some definition of the existence
of the divine being(s), although they culminate in the suspension of judgment from
Sextus’ point of view, because those assertions are equipolent and conflicting with each other.
This research is part of a study of Sextus Empiricus’ Against the physicists. The ... more This research is part of a study of Sextus Empiricus’ Against the physicists. The present paper aims to explain the passage of Xenophon’s Memorabilia quoted by Sextus, and its link with the Stoic theology, since this is the main target of Sextus’ criticism. For that, we deal with the following texts: Sextus Empiricus’ Against the physicists, some of Diogenes Laertius’ and Themistius’ (SVF1.9) anecdotes, Cicero’s De natura deorum and Epictetus’ Speeches. Key-words: Memorabilia, theology, physics, stoic reception.
This paper aims to clarify how Socrates, in Xenophon's Memorabilia, understands friendship (phili... more This paper aims to clarify how Socrates, in Xenophon's Memorabilia, understands friendship (philia). We did not take a stand on its historicity, preferring to leave it as an outstanding issue. After presenting the main features of the concept of friendship, which occurs throughout the work, we will provide a brief description of some of the Socratic dialogues about the subject. In this way, we intend to show, in addition to the theoretical conception that Socrates/Xenophon expresses, the practical aspect of this concept.
This paper aims to present "the" Aristotle mentioned by Sextus Empiricus in his book "Against the... more This paper aims to present "the" Aristotle mentioned by Sextus Empiricus in his book "Against the physicists".
Taking as a guideline the two narratives of Critias, in Plato's "Timaeus" and "Critias", this pap... more Taking as a guideline the two narratives of Critias, in Plato's "Timaeus" and "Critias", this paper proposes an introduction to some issues related to writing and memory.
This paper aims to comment on the first mode of skepticism, presented by Sextus in the Outlines o... more This paper aims to comment on the first mode of skepticism, presented by Sextus in the Outlines of Pyrrhonism. Especifically, the analysis focuses on the notion of rationality, which, from a stoic point of view, would set the difference between men and other animals. It's precisely this subject that Sextus questions with a humorous but significant line of argument.
This paper is divided into two parts. In the first section, after the introduction, ... more This paper is divided into two parts. In the first section, after the introduction, we exposed the various occurrences of “physis”throughout Sextus Empiricus’ Outlines of Pyrrhonism, dividing them into 5 categories: (1) "nature" as the real, in contrast to “appearance”; (2) the "natural" as that which seems characteristic, peculiar to something or someone; (3) "Nature" as a creative and guiding agent; (4) the "natural" as opposed to "unnatural"; (5) the "nature of men". The way these various uses appear in the work is invariably critical, as elements of argumentation against the dogmatists, especially the Stoics. In the second part of this paper, however, we show how “physis” also appears positively at the beginning of the Outlines with the guiding function for life, as part of the answer to the famous objection of apraxia. In addition, we defend the hypothesis that “nature”, from Sextus’ point of view, does not oppose nor surpass conventions and customs; on the contrary, nature is what is recognized by all and is even determined by conventions and customs.
This paper aims to show how the Plato’s dialogue Theaetetus
influenced the development of fundame... more This paper aims to show how the Plato’s dialogue Theaetetus influenced the development of fundamental concepts and arguments of the Academic and the Pyrrhonian Skepticism. The argument of the madman, the drunk and the sleeper is a textual proof of this inheritance. Key-words: Theaetetus. Academics. Outlines of Pyrrhonism. Perception. Representation.
ABSTRACT: Aristotle, as the title of his work suggests, may have dedicated the Nichomachean Ethic... more ABSTRACT: Aristotle, as the title of his work suggests, may have dedicated the Nichomachean Ethics either to his father or to his son, who had the same name. In the beginning of the book, the philosopher says that it seems unlikely that somebody can be happy without children; on the other hand, he acknowledges that having a bad child or a dead good child inflicts extreme suffering. Whereas the State doesn't assume the responsibility for legislating for the education of the young people (an essential step in social welfare), the parents alone, he says, must assume this role, committing themselves to guide their children towards virtue. After all, their happiness depends on it. RESUMO: A Ética a Nicômaco, como o nome diz, pode ter sido escrita de Aristóteles para seu pai ou para seu filho, homônimos. No início do livro, o filósofo diz ser improvável que alguém seja feliz sem ter tido filhos; por outro lado, reconhece que ter um filho mau ou um filho bom morto causa a maior das desgraças. Enquanto o Estado não assume a função de legislar sobre a educação dos jovens (essencial para o bem-estar social), é preciso, segundo ele, que os pais assumam sozinhos esse papel, empenhando-se em orientar seus filhos para a virtude. Afinal, disso depende sua própria felicidade.
Resumo: Vlastos, num artigo intitulado "Slavery in Plato's thought " , sustenta, entre outras coi... more Resumo: Vlastos, num artigo intitulado "Slavery in Plato's thought " , sustenta, entre outras coisas, a tese de que Platão teria influenciado Aristóteles em sua defesa da escravidão natural, considerando a relação entre governantes e governados na cidade excelente da República um exemplo que se conformaria a essa doutrina. Há, entretanto, vários indícios que o desmentem, tais como a associação da sōphrosynē à harmonia entre os cidadãos, que têm uma opinião comum sobre quem deve governar, além da frequente vinculação da escravidão a violência, tirania e sujeição, o que contradiz a qualificação de virtuosa e amigável douleía, suposta por Vlastos e atribuída a Platão.
Abstract: This article examines the influence of the Protagorean doctrine, as expounded in the Th... more Abstract: This article examines the influence of the Protagorean doctrine, as expounded in the Theaetetus (following Plato’s account, and thereby not taking sides on the debate
on whether it actually coincides with that of the historical Protagoras or not) in the
shaping of the defence statement listing the ten modes to induce suspension of judgement, attributed to Aenesidemus and also exposed by both Diogenes Laertius and Sextus Empiricus. This indebtedness can also be noticed in Sextus’s reception of
Aristotle and in his concern to address the criticism that, at that time, was probably aimed at, among others, Protagoras’s doctrine, as presented in the Theaetetus.
Keywords: Protagoras; Theaetetus; Skepticism; Modes; Suspension of Judgement.
In Republic IV, 431b5-d2, Plato, using Socrates as his character, makes
statements about the soph... more In Republic IV, 431b5-d2, Plato, using Socrates as his character, makes statements about the sophrosyne of the excellent city that seem incompatible with the subsequent text. There, he identifies the women, the children and the servants with the “many and weak”, who have their desires and pleasures dominated by the “few and better”. The analysis of some passages in the same dialogue shows that this proposition cannot be maintained, but must be considered provisional, based on the common opinion (of those times) about sophrosyne. Keywords: Plato, Republic, Sophrosyne.
This paper aims to explain what Plato means in the Republic by “sight” (opsis), a concept
used by... more This paper aims to explain what Plato means in the Republic by “sight” (opsis), a concept used by the philosopher as an image that can help us to understand what he means by knowledge of Ideas. KEYWORDS: Plato. Republic. Sight. Perception.
This paper aims to make
some difficulties in translating
Plato’s Critias explicit, especially the... more This paper aims to make some difficulties in translating Plato’s Critias explicit, especially the excerpt between 106e-108d, where we find the expression “tò théatron”, which has sparked off many contro- versies and interpretations. Ours is based on the comparison between Critias’ introduction and Thucydides’ (1.21-22), which shows that the men- tioned audience and its severe judg- ment are expected by a “performer historian”.
In Timaeus, 20d8-9, Critias describes the story he is going to tell
as “passing atopos” but “whol... more In Timaeus, 20d8-9, Critias describes the story he is going to tell as “passing atopos” but “wholly true”. The aim of this paper is to understand the meaning of this expression, atopos, based on (1) another uses in Plato’s works and (2) on the content of Critias’ story. Key-words: Plato. Timaeus-Critias. Story. Atopos.
The narrative of Critias about the war between archaic Athens and Atlantis, which is found in Pla... more The narrative of Critias about the war between archaic Athens and Atlantis, which is found in Plato's dialogues Timaeus and Critias, is presented as a true logos in spite of having been invented by the philosopher. The characters' refusal of its status as a "myth" has intrigued many scholars that have written about this subject in order to understand what Plato intended with this apparent contradiction. What genre of discourse it is is the first question to be faced by those that intend to interpret it. The reading of books II and III of the Republic brings light to the question as it shows the reflection of the author about the creation of stories and its usefulness, and as it offers a discussion about important notions that occur in Critias' narrative, such as "myth" and "true discourse". The analysis of the narrative reveals elements that confirm the adequacy of the reading of the Republic, especially regarding the formulation that is elaborated there about the useful lie. However, this is not sufficient for an understanding of the way Plato elaborates the story told by Critias, being necessary a comparison between the narrative's text and other genres of discourse used by the philosopher.
Neste artigo pretendemos apontar aspectos da composição de Cícero, em Academica e De finibus, que... more Neste artigo pretendemos apontar aspectos da composição de Cícero, em Academica e De finibus, que indiquem o contraste que ele mesmo estabelece entre duas correntes da Academia de Platão: a que ele representa e que se desenvolve entre Arcésilas e Fílon de Larissa; e aquela representada por Antíoco de Ascalão, um antigo discípulo de Fílon que teria mudado radicalmente de filosofia, assumindo influências estoicas. Nosso objetivo é mostrar como Cícero constrói dramaticamente essa disputa pelo legado platônico, com ênfase nas perspectivas dos personagens-especialmente no que tange à compreensão da importância de Sócrates para a filosofia de Platão-e nas emoções que lhes são atribuídas pelo Cícero escritor.
Resumo: O presente escrito ocupa-se em realizar uma exposição dos argumentos
filosóficos utiliz... more Resumo: O presente escrito ocupa-se em realizar uma exposição dos argumentos
filosóficos utilizados por Sexto Empírico para examinar o tema da existência de deus(es) presente no texto do Contra os físicos (1-194). Sendo assim, será apresentado um conjunto de concepções dogmáticas ateístas, teístas e aporéticas que tentam dar alguma definição sobre a existência do(s) ser(es) divino(s), mas que, do ponto de vista de Sexto,culminam na suspensão do juízo, pois tais asserções são equipolentes e conflitantes entre si.
Abstract: This paper aims to present the philosophical arguments used by Sextus
Empiricus in his investigation about the theme of the existence of god(s) in his work Against Physicists (1-194). Thus, a set of dogmatic conceptions will be presented:
atheistic, theistic and aporetic ones, which try to give some definition of the existence
of the divine being(s), although they culminate in the suspension of judgment from
Sextus’ point of view, because those assertions are equipolent and conflicting with each other.
This research is part of a study of Sextus Empiricus’ Against the physicists. The ... more This research is part of a study of Sextus Empiricus’ Against the physicists. The present paper aims to explain the passage of Xenophon’s Memorabilia quoted by Sextus, and its link with the Stoic theology, since this is the main target of Sextus’ criticism. For that, we deal with the following texts: Sextus Empiricus’ Against the physicists, some of Diogenes Laertius’ and Themistius’ (SVF1.9) anecdotes, Cicero’s De natura deorum and Epictetus’ Speeches. Key-words: Memorabilia, theology, physics, stoic reception.
This paper aims to clarify how Socrates, in Xenophon's Memorabilia, understands friendship (phili... more This paper aims to clarify how Socrates, in Xenophon's Memorabilia, understands friendship (philia). We did not take a stand on its historicity, preferring to leave it as an outstanding issue. After presenting the main features of the concept of friendship, which occurs throughout the work, we will provide a brief description of some of the Socratic dialogues about the subject. In this way, we intend to show, in addition to the theoretical conception that Socrates/Xenophon expresses, the practical aspect of this concept.
This paper aims to present "the" Aristotle mentioned by Sextus Empiricus in his book "Against the... more This paper aims to present "the" Aristotle mentioned by Sextus Empiricus in his book "Against the physicists".
Taking as a guideline the two narratives of Critias, in Plato's "Timaeus" and "Critias", this pap... more Taking as a guideline the two narratives of Critias, in Plato's "Timaeus" and "Critias", this paper proposes an introduction to some issues related to writing and memory.
This paper aims to comment on the first mode of skepticism, presented by Sextus in the Outlines o... more This paper aims to comment on the first mode of skepticism, presented by Sextus in the Outlines of Pyrrhonism. Especifically, the analysis focuses on the notion of rationality, which, from a stoic point of view, would set the difference between men and other animals. It's precisely this subject that Sextus questions with a humorous but significant line of argument.
This paper is divided into two parts. In the first section, after the introduction, ... more This paper is divided into two parts. In the first section, after the introduction, we exposed the various occurrences of “physis”throughout Sextus Empiricus’ Outlines of Pyrrhonism, dividing them into 5 categories: (1) "nature" as the real, in contrast to “appearance”; (2) the "natural" as that which seems characteristic, peculiar to something or someone; (3) "Nature" as a creative and guiding agent; (4) the "natural" as opposed to "unnatural"; (5) the "nature of men". The way these various uses appear in the work is invariably critical, as elements of argumentation against the dogmatists, especially the Stoics. In the second part of this paper, however, we show how “physis” also appears positively at the beginning of the Outlines with the guiding function for life, as part of the answer to the famous objection of apraxia. In addition, we defend the hypothesis that “nature”, from Sextus’ point of view, does not oppose nor surpass conventions and customs; on the contrary, nature is what is recognized by all and is even determined by conventions and customs.
This paper aims to show how the Plato’s dialogue Theaetetus
influenced the development of fundame... more This paper aims to show how the Plato’s dialogue Theaetetus influenced the development of fundamental concepts and arguments of the Academic and the Pyrrhonian Skepticism. The argument of the madman, the drunk and the sleeper is a textual proof of this inheritance. Key-words: Theaetetus. Academics. Outlines of Pyrrhonism. Perception. Representation.
ABSTRACT: Aristotle, as the title of his work suggests, may have dedicated the Nichomachean Ethic... more ABSTRACT: Aristotle, as the title of his work suggests, may have dedicated the Nichomachean Ethics either to his father or to his son, who had the same name. In the beginning of the book, the philosopher says that it seems unlikely that somebody can be happy without children; on the other hand, he acknowledges that having a bad child or a dead good child inflicts extreme suffering. Whereas the State doesn't assume the responsibility for legislating for the education of the young people (an essential step in social welfare), the parents alone, he says, must assume this role, committing themselves to guide their children towards virtue. After all, their happiness depends on it. RESUMO: A Ética a Nicômaco, como o nome diz, pode ter sido escrita de Aristóteles para seu pai ou para seu filho, homônimos. No início do livro, o filósofo diz ser improvável que alguém seja feliz sem ter tido filhos; por outro lado, reconhece que ter um filho mau ou um filho bom morto causa a maior das desgraças. Enquanto o Estado não assume a função de legislar sobre a educação dos jovens (essencial para o bem-estar social), é preciso, segundo ele, que os pais assumam sozinhos esse papel, empenhando-se em orientar seus filhos para a virtude. Afinal, disso depende sua própria felicidade.
Resumo: Vlastos, num artigo intitulado "Slavery in Plato's thought " , sustenta, entre outras coi... more Resumo: Vlastos, num artigo intitulado "Slavery in Plato's thought " , sustenta, entre outras coisas, a tese de que Platão teria influenciado Aristóteles em sua defesa da escravidão natural, considerando a relação entre governantes e governados na cidade excelente da República um exemplo que se conformaria a essa doutrina. Há, entretanto, vários indícios que o desmentem, tais como a associação da sōphrosynē à harmonia entre os cidadãos, que têm uma opinião comum sobre quem deve governar, além da frequente vinculação da escravidão a violência, tirania e sujeição, o que contradiz a qualificação de virtuosa e amigável douleía, suposta por Vlastos e atribuída a Platão.
Abstract: This article examines the influence of the Protagorean doctrine, as expounded in the Th... more Abstract: This article examines the influence of the Protagorean doctrine, as expounded in the Theaetetus (following Plato’s account, and thereby not taking sides on the debate
on whether it actually coincides with that of the historical Protagoras or not) in the
shaping of the defence statement listing the ten modes to induce suspension of judgement, attributed to Aenesidemus and also exposed by both Diogenes Laertius and Sextus Empiricus. This indebtedness can also be noticed in Sextus’s reception of
Aristotle and in his concern to address the criticism that, at that time, was probably aimed at, among others, Protagoras’s doctrine, as presented in the Theaetetus.
Keywords: Protagoras; Theaetetus; Skepticism; Modes; Suspension of Judgement.
In Republic IV, 431b5-d2, Plato, using Socrates as his character, makes
statements about the soph... more In Republic IV, 431b5-d2, Plato, using Socrates as his character, makes statements about the sophrosyne of the excellent city that seem incompatible with the subsequent text. There, he identifies the women, the children and the servants with the “many and weak”, who have their desires and pleasures dominated by the “few and better”. The analysis of some passages in the same dialogue shows that this proposition cannot be maintained, but must be considered provisional, based on the common opinion (of those times) about sophrosyne. Keywords: Plato, Republic, Sophrosyne.
This paper aims to explain what Plato means in the Republic by “sight” (opsis), a concept
used by... more This paper aims to explain what Plato means in the Republic by “sight” (opsis), a concept used by the philosopher as an image that can help us to understand what he means by knowledge of Ideas. KEYWORDS: Plato. Republic. Sight. Perception.
This paper aims to make
some difficulties in translating
Plato’s Critias explicit, especially the... more This paper aims to make some difficulties in translating Plato’s Critias explicit, especially the excerpt between 106e-108d, where we find the expression “tò théatron”, which has sparked off many contro- versies and interpretations. Ours is based on the comparison between Critias’ introduction and Thucydides’ (1.21-22), which shows that the men- tioned audience and its severe judg- ment are expected by a “performer historian”.
In Timaeus, 20d8-9, Critias describes the story he is going to tell
as “passing atopos” but “whol... more In Timaeus, 20d8-9, Critias describes the story he is going to tell as “passing atopos” but “wholly true”. The aim of this paper is to understand the meaning of this expression, atopos, based on (1) another uses in Plato’s works and (2) on the content of Critias’ story. Key-words: Plato. Timaeus-Critias. Story. Atopos.
The narrative of Critias about the war between archaic Athens and Atlantis, which is found in Pla... more The narrative of Critias about the war between archaic Athens and Atlantis, which is found in Plato's dialogues Timaeus and Critias, is presented as a true logos in spite of having been invented by the philosopher. The characters' refusal of its status as a "myth" has intrigued many scholars that have written about this subject in order to understand what Plato intended with this apparent contradiction. What genre of discourse it is is the first question to be faced by those that intend to interpret it. The reading of books II and III of the Republic brings light to the question as it shows the reflection of the author about the creation of stories and its usefulness, and as it offers a discussion about important notions that occur in Critias' narrative, such as "myth" and "true discourse". The analysis of the narrative reveals elements that confirm the adequacy of the reading of the Republic, especially regarding the formulation that is elaborated there about the useful lie. However, this is not sufficient for an understanding of the way Plato elaborates the story told by Critias, being necessary a comparison between the narrative's text and other genres of discourse used by the philosopher.
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filosóficos utilizados por Sexto Empírico para examinar o tema da existência de deus(es) presente no texto do Contra os físicos (1-194). Sendo assim, será apresentado um conjunto de concepções dogmáticas ateístas, teístas e aporéticas que tentam dar alguma definição sobre a existência do(s) ser(es) divino(s), mas que, do ponto de vista de Sexto,culminam na suspensão do juízo, pois tais asserções são equipolentes e conflitantes entre si.
Abstract: This paper aims to present the philosophical arguments used by Sextus
Empiricus in his investigation about the theme of the existence of god(s) in his work Against Physicists (1-194). Thus, a set of dogmatic conceptions will be presented:
atheistic, theistic and aporetic ones, which try to give some definition of the existence
of the divine being(s), although they culminate in the suspension of judgment from
Sextus’ point of view, because those assertions are equipolent and conflicting with each other.
Key-words: Memorabilia, theology, physics, stoic reception.
influenced the development of fundamental concepts and arguments
of the Academic and the Pyrrhonian Skepticism. The argument of
the madman, the drunk and the sleeper is a textual proof of this
inheritance.
Key-words: Theaetetus. Academics. Outlines of Pyrrhonism. Perception.
Representation.
RESUMO: A Ética a Nicômaco, como o nome diz, pode ter sido escrita de Aristóteles para seu pai ou para seu filho, homônimos. No início do livro, o filósofo diz ser improvável que alguém seja feliz sem ter tido filhos; por outro lado, reconhece que ter um filho mau ou um filho bom morto causa a maior das desgraças. Enquanto o Estado não assume a função de legislar sobre a educação dos jovens (essencial para o bem-estar social), é preciso, segundo ele, que os pais assumam sozinhos esse papel, empenhando-se em orientar seus filhos para a virtude. Afinal, disso depende sua própria felicidade.
on whether it actually coincides with that of the historical Protagoras or not) in the
shaping of the defence statement listing the ten modes to induce suspension of judgement, attributed to Aenesidemus and also exposed by both Diogenes Laertius and Sextus Empiricus. This indebtedness can also be noticed in Sextus’s reception of
Aristotle and in his concern to address the criticism that, at that time, was probably aimed at, among others, Protagoras’s doctrine, as presented in the Theaetetus.
Keywords: Protagoras; Theaetetus; Skepticism; Modes; Suspension of Judgement.
statements about the sophrosyne of the excellent city that seem incompatible with the
subsequent text. There, he identifies the women, the children and the servants with the “many
and weak”, who have their desires and pleasures dominated by the “few and better”. The
analysis of some passages in the same dialogue shows that this proposition cannot be
maintained, but must be considered provisional, based on the common opinion (of those
times) about sophrosyne.
Keywords: Plato, Republic, Sophrosyne.
used by the philosopher as an image that can help us to understand what he means by knowledge of
Ideas.
KEYWORDS: Plato. Republic. Sight. Perception.
some difficulties in translating
Plato’s Critias explicit, especially the
excerpt between 106e-108d, where
we find the expression “tò théatron”,
which has sparked off many contro-
versies and interpretations. Ours is
based on the comparison between
Critias’ introduction and Thucydides’
(1.21-22), which shows that the men-
tioned audience and its severe judg-
ment are expected by a “performer
historian”.
as “passing atopos” but “wholly true”. The aim of this paper is to
understand the meaning of this expression, atopos, based on (1) another
uses in Plato’s works and (2) on the content of Critias’ story.
Key-words: Plato. Timaeus-Critias. Story. Atopos.
understand what Plato intended with this apparent contradiction. What genre of discourse it is is the first question to be faced by those that intend to interpret it. The reading of books II and III of the Republic brings light to the question as it shows the reflection of the author about
the creation of stories and its usefulness, and as it offers a discussion about important notions that occur in Critias' narrative, such as "myth" and "true discourse". The analysis of the narrative reveals elements that confirm the adequacy of the reading of the Republic, especially regarding the formulation that is elaborated there about the useful lie.
However, this is not sufficient for an understanding of the way Plato elaborates the story told by Critias, being necessary a comparison between the narrative's text and other genres of discourse used by the philosopher.
filosóficos utilizados por Sexto Empírico para examinar o tema da existência de deus(es) presente no texto do Contra os físicos (1-194). Sendo assim, será apresentado um conjunto de concepções dogmáticas ateístas, teístas e aporéticas que tentam dar alguma definição sobre a existência do(s) ser(es) divino(s), mas que, do ponto de vista de Sexto,culminam na suspensão do juízo, pois tais asserções são equipolentes e conflitantes entre si.
Abstract: This paper aims to present the philosophical arguments used by Sextus
Empiricus in his investigation about the theme of the existence of god(s) in his work Against Physicists (1-194). Thus, a set of dogmatic conceptions will be presented:
atheistic, theistic and aporetic ones, which try to give some definition of the existence
of the divine being(s), although they culminate in the suspension of judgment from
Sextus’ point of view, because those assertions are equipolent and conflicting with each other.
Key-words: Memorabilia, theology, physics, stoic reception.
influenced the development of fundamental concepts and arguments
of the Academic and the Pyrrhonian Skepticism. The argument of
the madman, the drunk and the sleeper is a textual proof of this
inheritance.
Key-words: Theaetetus. Academics. Outlines of Pyrrhonism. Perception.
Representation.
RESUMO: A Ética a Nicômaco, como o nome diz, pode ter sido escrita de Aristóteles para seu pai ou para seu filho, homônimos. No início do livro, o filósofo diz ser improvável que alguém seja feliz sem ter tido filhos; por outro lado, reconhece que ter um filho mau ou um filho bom morto causa a maior das desgraças. Enquanto o Estado não assume a função de legislar sobre a educação dos jovens (essencial para o bem-estar social), é preciso, segundo ele, que os pais assumam sozinhos esse papel, empenhando-se em orientar seus filhos para a virtude. Afinal, disso depende sua própria felicidade.
on whether it actually coincides with that of the historical Protagoras or not) in the
shaping of the defence statement listing the ten modes to induce suspension of judgement, attributed to Aenesidemus and also exposed by both Diogenes Laertius and Sextus Empiricus. This indebtedness can also be noticed in Sextus’s reception of
Aristotle and in his concern to address the criticism that, at that time, was probably aimed at, among others, Protagoras’s doctrine, as presented in the Theaetetus.
Keywords: Protagoras; Theaetetus; Skepticism; Modes; Suspension of Judgement.
statements about the sophrosyne of the excellent city that seem incompatible with the
subsequent text. There, he identifies the women, the children and the servants with the “many
and weak”, who have their desires and pleasures dominated by the “few and better”. The
analysis of some passages in the same dialogue shows that this proposition cannot be
maintained, but must be considered provisional, based on the common opinion (of those
times) about sophrosyne.
Keywords: Plato, Republic, Sophrosyne.
used by the philosopher as an image that can help us to understand what he means by knowledge of
Ideas.
KEYWORDS: Plato. Republic. Sight. Perception.
some difficulties in translating
Plato’s Critias explicit, especially the
excerpt between 106e-108d, where
we find the expression “tò théatron”,
which has sparked off many contro-
versies and interpretations. Ours is
based on the comparison between
Critias’ introduction and Thucydides’
(1.21-22), which shows that the men-
tioned audience and its severe judg-
ment are expected by a “performer
historian”.
as “passing atopos” but “wholly true”. The aim of this paper is to
understand the meaning of this expression, atopos, based on (1) another
uses in Plato’s works and (2) on the content of Critias’ story.
Key-words: Plato. Timaeus-Critias. Story. Atopos.
understand what Plato intended with this apparent contradiction. What genre of discourse it is is the first question to be faced by those that intend to interpret it. The reading of books II and III of the Republic brings light to the question as it shows the reflection of the author about
the creation of stories and its usefulness, and as it offers a discussion about important notions that occur in Critias' narrative, such as "myth" and "true discourse". The analysis of the narrative reveals elements that confirm the adequacy of the reading of the Republic, especially regarding the formulation that is elaborated there about the useful lie.
However, this is not sufficient for an understanding of the way Plato elaborates the story told by Critias, being necessary a comparison between the narrative's text and other genres of discourse used by the philosopher.