Bob Kavanagh on sat 3 may 97
good morning
Permit me a digression on Dan's note about Platonic Beauty and the "pot".
I quote from a dialogue called Hippias Major (section 288c-d) during which
time good old Socates is engaging a number of sophists is a discussion
about the true nature of beauty - a ongoing theme in Platonic dialogues.
Clay, earth and mud are not always as lofty in these dialogues as those of
us who love to work with it, imagine it to be. Often in fact, clay is a
prototypical opposite of the "Forms/Ideas" where Plato thought Beauty was
lodged.
Socrates: He will now say, very well, but what about a beautiful lyre? Is
that not a beauty? Are we to agree, Hippias?
Hippias: Yes.
Socrates: Judging from his character, I feel pretty sure that he will then
go on, what about a beautiful pot, my dear sir, is that not a beauty?
Hippias: Who is this fellow? What a boor, to dare introduce such vulgar
examples into a grave discussion [about beauty]!.
....they change examples after that (having scraped the bottom of the barrel
I suppose).
bob kavanagh
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