Ideas from 'Introduction to 'Virtues of Authenticity'' by Alexander Nehamas [1999], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Virtues of Authenticity' by Nehamas,Alexander [Princeton 1999,0-691-00178-2]].

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8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 6. Platonic Forms / a. Platonic Forms

17945

Forms are not a theory of universals, but an attempt to explain how predication is possible

			Full Idea: The theory of Forms is not a theory of universals but a first attempt to explain how predication, the application of a single term to many objects - now considered one of the most elementary operations of language - is possible.
			From: Alexander Nehamas (Introduction to 'Virtues of Authenticity' [1999], p.xxvii)

8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 6. Platonic Forms / b. Partaking

17946

Only Tallness really is tall, and other inferior tall things merely participate in the tallness

			Full Idea: Only Tallness and nothing else really is tall; everything else merely participates in the Forms and, being excluded from the realm of Being, belongs to the inferior world of Becoming.
			From: Alexander Nehamas (Introduction to 'Virtues of Authenticity' [1999], p.xxviii)
			A reaction: This is just as weird as the normal view (and puzzle of participation), but at least it makes more sense of 'metachein' (partaking).

11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 2. Understanding

17944

'Episteme' is better translated as 'understanding' than as 'knowledge'

			Full Idea: The Greek 'episteme' is usually translated as 'knowledge' but, I argue, closer to our notion of understanding.
			From: Alexander Nehamas (Introduction to 'Virtues of Authenticity' [1999], p.xvi)
			A reaction: He agrees with Julia Annas on this. I take it to be crucial. See the first sentence of Aristotle's 'Metaphysics'. It is explanation which leads to understanding.