Plato's Introduction of Forms

R. M. Dancy presents the Theory of Forms in the Phaedo and the Symposium as a development from the quest for definitions that runs through the Socratic dialogues. On this reading the Theory of Forms is an outgrowth of that search.

To make the case, Dancy builds a theory of definition out of the Socratic dialogues themselves, drawing on how definitions are refuted there. He then shows the same pattern reflected in the later account of Forms.

The discussion ranges over several of Plato's early and middle dialogues, so the book suits readers of Plato and ancient philosophy. Published by Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13: 9780521838016.