Parmenides

Parmenides is a philosophical dialogue written by Plato in which he explores the nature of reality, knowledge, and the relationship between the physical world and the world of ideas. The dialogue takes place between Socrates and Parmenides, a famous philosopher from Elea. In the first part of the dialogue, Parmenides questions Socrates about his theory of Forms, in which he posits that there is a perfect, unchanging world of abstract concepts that exists independently of the physical world. Parmenides challenges Socrates to defend his theory and exposes inconsistencies in his arguments. In the second part of the dialogue, Parmenides presents his own theory of reality, which is based on the idea that everything that exists is one, eternal, and unchanging. He argues that change and multiplicity are illusions created by the limitations of human perception. The dialogue concludes with Socrates acknowledging the limitations of his own understanding and expressing his admiration for Parmenides' wisdom. Parmenides is considered one of Plato's most challenging and complex works, and it continues to be studied and debated by philosophers to this day.I understand, said Socrates, and quite accept your account. But tell me, Zeno, do you not further think that there is an idea of likeness in itself, and another idea of unlikeness, which is the opposite of likeness, and that in these two, you and I and all other things to which we apply the term many, participate--things which participate in likeness become in that degree and manner like.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.