Excursus 105 – On the Epistemological Function of Examples in Plato’s Dialogues

Hossein Jorjani First publication: 2026 – 07 – 05 Readers approaching Plato for the first time are often struck by the kinds of questions that dominate his dialogues. Contrary to modern expectations, Socrates rarely investigates material objects or natural phenomena. Instead, his discussions almost invariably concern concepts: justice, courage, temperance, piety, friendship, beauty, knowledge, virtue,Continue reading “Excursus 105 – On the Epistemological Function of Examples in Plato’s Dialogues”

Excursus 104– Rethinking Plato’s Academy: Dialectic as Philosophical Apprenticeship

Hossein Jorjani First publication: 2026 – 07 – 05 Modern readers are often struck by an apparent paradox in Plato’s educational program. In the Republic, dialectic occupies the highest stage of philosophical education. After approximately ten years of mathematical preparation, those selected for advanced study are expected to devote an additional five years to dialecticContinue reading “Excursus 104– Rethinking Plato’s Academy: Dialectic as Philosophical Apprenticeship”

Excursus 102 – The Afterlife of the Allegory of the Cave

Hossein Jorjani First publication: 2026 – 07 – 20 Few philosophical images have exercised a greater influence on Western thought than Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. Yet its historical significance lies not only in Plato’s original doctrine, but also in the successive reinterpretations it has inspired. The history of the Cave illustrates how powerful philosophicalContinue reading “Excursus 102 – The Afterlife of the Allegory of the Cave”