Plato on Parts and Wholes: The Metaphysics of Structure

by Verity Harte

What is the relation between a whole and its parts? The metaphysics of structure and composition is much discussed in modern philosophy; now Verity Harte provides the first sustained examination of Plato's rich but neglected discussion of the topic, and shows how it can illuminate current debates. This book is an invaluable resource both for scholars of Plato and for modern metaphysicians.

Genres: Philosophy, Metaphysics

322 pages, Hardcover

First published September 19, 2002

Reviews

[Edward Butler]

A book fairly modest in scope, but that nevertheless makes an important contribution to the new thought on Plato that seeks to escape the alternatives of either the "two world" interpretation or the overconfident reconstructions of an Academic doctrine of principles associated with the "Tübingen school". Makes a fine companion volume to McCabe's Plato's Individuals.

[Matt]

This book attempts to characterize Plato's views on mereology. It thoroughly tracks Plato's views in his entire corpus. As such, this book will be of interest for Plato scholars. However, the insights end with history; that is, Harte does not give us more to think about than Plato's views.

[Daniel]

The book was a doctoral thesis, and while well written, it was really boring and could have been a lot shorter.