Plato's Doctrine Respecting the Rotation of the Earth, and Aristotle's Comment Upon That Doctrine (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

George Grote

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 033204680X ISBN 13: 9780332046808

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

Explore the ancient debate over whether Plato tied the Earth's movement to the cosmos and what that means for early science.

This scholarly work dives into a disputed passage from Plato’s Timaeus and the long debate about the Earth’s place in the universe. It examines how later philosophers read the text, and how Aristotle, Proclus, Simplikius, and others interpreted or contested the idea of a rotating Earth. The author also surveys modern commentary to weigh the evidence and the historical context of Plato’s cosmology.

• Unpacks the Platonic passage at the center of the rotation question and its complex interpretations.
• Analyzes major arguments, including Boeckh’s critique and its reception among Cousin and Martin.
• Tracing how Aristotle and other ancient commentators framed the issue without assuming modern astronomy.
• Considers how these debates illuminate the scientific mindset of the Platonic–Aristotelian era.

Ideal for readers of philosophy, classical studies, and the history of science who want a careful, evidence-based look at ancient cosmology and its reception.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 033204680X
• ISBN 13: 9780332046808
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 43