The Dialectic of Essence: A Study of Plato's Metaphysics

The Dialectic of Essence offers a systematic new account of Plato's metaphysics. Allan Silverman argues that the best way to make sense of the metaphysics as a whole is to examine carefully what Plato says about ousia (essence) from the Meno through the middle period dialogues, the Phaedo and the Republic, and into several late dialogues including the Parmenides, the Sophist, the Philebus, and the Timaeus. This book focuses on three fundamental facets of the metaphysics: the theory of Forms; the nature of particulars; and Plato's understanding of the nature of metaphysical inquiry. Silverman seeks to show how Plato conceives of "Being" as a unique way in which an essence is related to a Form. Conversely, partaking ("having") is the way in which a material particular is related to its properties: Particulars, thus, in an important sense lack essence. Additionally, the author closely analyzes Plato's idea that the relation between Forms and particulars is mediated by form-copies. Even when some late dialogues provide a richer account of particulars, Silverman maintains that particulars are still denied essence. Indeed, with the Timaeus's introduction of the receptacle, there are no particulars of the traditional variety. This book cogently demonstrates that when we understand that Plato's concern with essence lies at the root of his metaphysics, we are better equipped to find our way through the labyrinth of his dialogues and to better appreciate how they form a coherent theory.

About the Author :
Allan Silverman is Professor of Philosophy at The Ohio State University.

Review :
"A significant, substantial and original addition to Platonic scholarship. . . . [It] provides a coherent and approachable explanation of the development of Plato's metaphysical system."---S.A. Burgess, Bryn Mawr Classical Review "This is a very good book. It is provocative and controversial, but it advances our understanding of Plato's metaphysics. Silverman tells a complicated story well. The book is clear, and provides both overviews and summaries that help a reader work through the intricate arguments. One of its real strengths is in treating Plato as a working philosopher who has important and interesting things to say about metaphysics. The reader is deeply engaged as a philosophical comrade-in-arms working through tough problems along with Silverman, and Plato."--Patricia Curd, Purdue University