par Delcomminette, Sylvain 
Référence The review of metaphysics, 72, 1, page (29-51)
Publication Publié, 2018
Référence The review of metaphysics, 72, 1, page (29-51)
Publication Publié, 2018
Article révisé par les pairs
| Résumé : | Since its inception, philosophy has aroused both fascination and hostility. What is it about philosophy that provokes such contrasting emotions? Plato’s works offer a valuable opportunity to explore this question, not only because of the dialogue form, which makes it possible to present a range of attitudes toward the practice of philosophy, but also because of Plato’s persistent efforts to define, describe, and defend philosophy as a radically unique activity. In this paper, I collect and organize the evidence in order to show that, although Plato presents a wide array of motives for hostility toward philosophy, these are all grounded upon some form of ignorance which is a source of pain. I also try to show how, in well-disposed individuals, a special kind of ignorance can become a source of love rather than hatred, and how these people experience a special kind of pleasure—the very pleasure of practising and loving philosophy. |
