Description

The Other Plato: The Tübingen Interpretation of Plato's Inner-Academic Teachings, edited by Dmitri Nikulin, is a scholarly exploration of the Tübingen School's interpretation of Plato’s philosophy. This approach challenges the traditional reading of Plato as merely the author of the dialogues and argues that his true teachings were conveyed orally within his academy, forming an esoteric doctrine that goes beyond what is written. The book brings together essays from various scholars who examine the implications of this interpretation, particularly how Plato’s unwritten doctrines—mentioned in sources such as Aristotle and later Neoplatonists—offer deeper insights into his metaphysical and ontological views. The contributors analyze how these hidden teachings relate to concepts like the principles of the One and the Indefinite Dyad, the role of dialectics, and the relationship between being and becoming. Nikulin’s collection provides a thorough historical and philosophical examination of the Tübingen School's arguments, contrasting them with the more conventional analytic and literary approaches to Plato. The book also engages with the broader question of how philosophical knowledge should be transmitted—through written texts or oral discourse. Aimed at scholars and students of ancient philosophy, The Other Plato sheds light on a controversial but influential perspective on Plato’s thought, opening up discussions about the nature of philosophical transmission and the limitations of textual interpretation. It is an essential resource for those interested in the deeper layers of Platonic philosophy and the historical debates surrounding it.