Timaeus by Plato (360)
The dialogue explores the nature of reality and the creation of the universe through a mythological account. It begins with a discussion on the ideal society and the role of the philosopher-king. The conversation then shifts to the origin of the world, where Timaeus presents a cosmogony that explains the creation of the universe as a product of divine craftsmanship. The dialogue is divided into two main parts: the mythological account of creation and the philosophical discussion on the nature of reality. In the first part, Timaeus describes the creation of the universe as a result of the actions of the Demiurge, a benevolent deity who shapes the world according to reason and order. The second part of the dialogue focuses on the nature of reality, where Timaeus discusses the concept of being and becoming. He argues that the physical world is an imperfect reflection of the perfect, eternal realm of Forms. The dialogue concludes with a discussion on the nature of time and the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds. Throughout the dialogue, Plato explores themes such as the nature of reality, the role of reason in understanding the world, and the relationship between the individual and society.
By Plato · First published 360 · Genre: Philosophy, Cosmology, Dialogue · 36,380 words
First lines
Persons of the dialogue: Socrates Critias Timaeus Hermocrates
Socrates: One, two, three; but where, my dear Timaeus, is the fourth of those who were yesterday my guests and are to be my entertainers today?
What this Textopian page supports
Timaeus is listed on Textopian as an essay by Plato, dated 360 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Plato
- Date: 360 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Cosmology, Dialogue, Metaphysics, Theology
- Length: 36,380 words
- Structure: 1 section, 125 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Timaeus?
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Similar titles
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- Lectures On The Proofs Of The Existence Of God by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
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- Phaedo by Plato
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Genres
- Philosophy — The text explores fundamental questions about existence, the nature of the universe, and the role of the divine.
- Cosmology — It presents a detailed account of the creation and structure of the universe.
- Dialogue — The work is structured as a conversation between characters, typical of the author's style.
- Metaphysics — It delves into the nature of reality and the relationship between the physical and the abstract.
Tags
Philosophy · Metaphysics · Cosmology · Mythology · Creation Story · Ancient Greek Literature · Socratic Dialogue · Platonic Philosophy · Theory of Forms · Immaterialism · Materialism · Eternalism