Date of Award
8-1-2018
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Auxier, Randall
Abstract
Using the scholarship of Robert Cushman to navigate Plato’s dialogues, Chapter 1 of this thesis establishes their multifaceted model of philosophy as therapeia. Said model includes Plato’s practical diagnosis of the human condition, his many notions formulated as a cure, and this first chapter ends by briefly responding to some of Martha Nussbaum’ recent criticisms of "Platonism," within The Therapy of Desire, and expounding upon the dialogue Phaedrus as Plato's therapeutic treatment of eros. Chapter 2 looks to the works of Dieter Henrich and T.K Seung in order to explore their proposed links between the philosophies of Plato and Kant, carving out a space for a new connection of therapeia. Chapter 3 discusses The Critique of Pure Reason in light of Plato’s own therapeutic philosophy, analyzing Kant’s unique diagnosis of a further, intellectual aspect of the human condition, his basic means of treating it, and the ideal form of human activity toward which he intends to direct our abortive intellectual desires.
Access
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