Abstract
In this paper I compare Alexander of Aphrodisias’ and Proclus’ conceptions of dialectic by discussing a passage from Alexander’s commentary on Aristotle’s Topics and texts from Proclus’ Platonic Theology and commentary on Plato’s Parmenides. I show how Alexander takes up Aristotle’s view of dialectic as an argumentative technique that has no specific object but can be put in the service of philosophy e. g. to establish first principles. In a key passage, Alexander quotes some lines from the Parmenides to emphasize that this was also Plato’s view on dialectic. By contrast, Proclus uses the Parmenides as a crucial source for his conception of dialectic as the crowning glory of philosophy, and fiercely criticizes such interpretations of the Parmenides as that of Alexander, which reduce it to the illustration of a logical method. I argue that the difference in their conceptions of dialectic lies in Alexander’s positive and Proclus’ negative view on doxa and on its role in knowledge.
Ringraziamenti
Ringrazio calorosamente Angela Longo per aver esaminato con grandi cura e pazienza la prima versione di quest’articolo, salvandomi da errori e omissioni. Giancarlo Abbamonte ha avuto la cortesia di inviarmi alcune pagine della sua tesi di dottorato inedita, che altrimenti mi sarebbe stato impossibile consultare: gli esprimo qui la mia gratitudine. Debiti di riconoscenza ho contratto anche verso Chiara Militello, per un provvidenziale aiuto bibliografico, e verso i due valutatori anonimi dell’articolo, che hanno letto, corretto, criticato e suggerito con generosa attenzione.
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