The Inclusive Nature of Being: Sophist 248e–249b
Abstract
abstract: This paper considers the contentious passage (248e–249d) of the Sophist where the Stranger criticizes the Giants, who associate being with bodies, and the Gods, who identify it with the forms, ultimately providing a third position. There are two prevailing interpretations of this section : “Reading A” has the Stranger argue that being encompasses not only the forms but also other entities, while “Reading B” has the Stranger contend that being, namely, the forms, moves. My strategy is to accept aspects of both interpretations and present a fresh reading by closely examining a passage often underemphasized in the debate (249a4–b3).
Fields of Study & Subjects
Classical Philosophy and Thought
Epistemology
Ethics
and Metaphysics
Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the history of philosophy
- Volume
- 64
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 1–24
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN