In Plato’s Sophist, the Stranger proposes a division more geometrico by cutting the productive art widthwise and lengthwise (265e8-266d7). In this paper, I shall reconstruct the often-neglected mathematical background of this complex διαίρεσις. By laying emphasis on its two-dimensional, quadratic structure, I shall argue that this division is not – strictly speaking – dichotomous but represents some sort of deviation from the bifurcation pattern widely employed and recommended elsewhere. Besides exploring the advantages of choosing an alternative pattern of division from a methodological point of view, I shall assess the role of the quadratic division within the broader context of the final division and definition of the sophist.
The Quadratic Division in Plato’s Sophist 265e–266d / Marongiu, L.. - In: RIVISTA DI FILOSOFIA NEOSCOLASTICA. - ISSN 0035-6247. - 116:3(2024), pp. 591-603. [10.26350/001050_000471]
The Quadratic Division in Plato’s Sophist 265e–266d
MARONGIU L
2024-01-01
Abstract
In Plato’s Sophist, the Stranger proposes a division more geometrico by cutting the productive art widthwise and lengthwise (265e8-266d7). In this paper, I shall reconstruct the often-neglected mathematical background of this complex διαίρεσις. By laying emphasis on its two-dimensional, quadratic structure, I shall argue that this division is not – strictly speaking – dichotomous but represents some sort of deviation from the bifurcation pattern widely employed and recommended elsewhere. Besides exploring the advantages of choosing an alternative pattern of division from a methodological point of view, I shall assess the role of the quadratic division within the broader context of the final division and definition of the sophist.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
