Socratic Perplexity: And the Nature of Philosophy

by Gareth B. Matthews

Gareth Matthews suggests that we can better understand the nature of philosophical inquiry if we recognize the central role played by perplexity. The seminal representation of philosophical perplexity is in Plato's dialogues; Matthews examines the intriguing shifts in Plato's attitude to perplexity and suggests that these may represent a course of philosophical development that philosophers follow even today.

Genres: Philosophy

148 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 1999

Reviews

[Maughn Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, fascinating look at the various roles of intellectual perplexity in the history of philosophy from the Pre-Socratics through Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. This is why Matthews thought even young children actually do philosophy.