Kenneth M. Sayre Livres

Exploring the nature of Plato's dialogues, Kenneth M. Sayre argues that they were not intended as philosophical doctrines but as teaching tools. By utilizing a horticultural metaphor from the Phaedrus, he examines the dialogues' dramatic structure and logical arguments, spanning from the Apology to the Philebus. Sayre offers fresh interpretations of key texts and insights into why Plato chose dialogue form, providing practical guidance for readers seeking deeper understanding. This innovative approach promises to enrich the experience for both new and seasoned scholars.

Prior to the publication of Plato's Late Ontology in 1983, there was general agreement among Plato scholars that the theses attributed to Plato in Book A of Aristotle's Metaphysics can not be found in the dialogues. Plato's Late Ontology presented a textually based argument that in fact these theses appear both in the Philebus and in the second part of the Parmenides, which link the contents of these dialogues with other long-standing puzzles of Platonic scholarship. The pivotal point of the argument is a number of synonyms for the expressions used by Aristotle in reporting Plato's views, found in the Greek commentators on Aristotle writing during the 3rd to the 6th Centuries A.D. These synonyms are also used by Plato himself in discussing the theses in question. The present book is a reprint of Plato's Late Ontology along with a recent article showing that a subset of these theses can also be found in the section of measurement appearing in the middle of the Statesman. The argument to this effect is an extension of that in Plato's Late Ontology, but is supported by a much expanded list of synonyms from the Greek commentators. original argument for their presence in the Parmenides and the Philebus.

The author presents a compelling argument that addressing the environmental crisis hinges on significantly reducing energy consumption. By doing so, society can ensure that the entropy generated does not surpass the biosphere's capacity to manage it. This perspective challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with energy use and its ecological impact.

The study delves into important yet overlooked passages in the Statesman, offering fresh insights and interpretations. Sayre's analysis aims to illuminate these sections, enhancing understanding of their significance within the text. By exploring these key elements, the work contributes to a deeper appreciation of the Statesman's themes and arguments.

The critique explores John Paul II's encyclical, highlighting inconsistencies in his treatment of faith and reason, particularly influenced by Catholic scholarship and early theological sources. It argues that his conception of reason is flawed and fails to unite with faith in a meaningful way. However, the study introduces an alternative understanding of reason, free from Neo-Scholastic constraints, which can effectively work with faith. This perspective is illustrated through a detailed examination of the relationship between the first and second great commandments, revealing new insights.

The book explores the evolution of Notre Dame's Department of Philosophy from its humble beginnings in the 1940s to its current status as a prestigious institution. Author Kenneth Sayre, a long-time faculty member, delves into the personal dynamics among faculty members, highlighting their relationships, ambitions, and the challenges they faced. Through these narratives, the book reveals the complexities and growth of the department, showcasing the impact of individual contributions on its development.