Review by Choice Review
Barris (Marshall Univ.) seeks to prove that a certain contradiction pertains to the nature of truth and that this is perfectly in order: that one can conceive and live in the context of a plurality of standpoints, each with different standards for truth, while the truth of each is also entirely unaffected by the truth of the others. Thus, according to this view, one can, and must, conceive the same truth as simply absolute in some contexts and relative in others. Likewise, when a crane walks, it moves simultaneously and apparently independently in two dimensions, vertical and horizontal, and can stand equally well on one leg or two. In part 1, Barris presents the framework or account of truth that he believes Plato's work expresses, in a way that is fully developed in itself but is only provisional with respect to his dialogues. In part 2, he presents the more fully developed discussion of Plato's own work, reading several of his dialogues, each as a whole and in detail, through the account developed in part 1. In this way, he illustrates the account of truth discussed in part 1. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty/researchers. M. J. Arp Emory University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
