Method and Politics in Plato's Statesman

Description

Among Plato's works, the Statesman is usually seen as transitional between the Republic and the Laws. This book argues that the dialogue deserves a special place of its own. Whereas Plato is usually thought of as defending unchanging knowledge, Dr Lane demonstrates how, by placing change at the heart of political affairs, Plato reconceives the link between knowledge and authority. The statesman is shown to master the timing of affairs of state, and to use this expertise in managing the conflict of opposed civic factions. To this political argument corresponds a methodological approach which is seen to rely not only on the familiar method of 'division', but equally on the unfamiliar centrality of the use of 'example'. The demonstration that method and politics are interrelated transforms our understanding of the Statesman and its fellow dialogues.

"Her book thus helps bring to light the range of interpretative issues that readers of this difficult dialogue must confront." Jacob Howland, International Journal of the Classical Tradition "...this is a stimulating, intelligent, and illuminating work. It is thoughtful and thought-provoking." Review of Metaphysics "The author successfully draw attention to two features of the Eleatic Stranger's method of division in Plato's Statesman... also gives an interesting account of how the Stranger identifies political expertise with picking out the critcal moment." Ethics "...this book makes a number of interesting, helpful, profound observations..." Classical World