Dialogues · Chapter
Timaeus explained
Timaeus, a philosopher from Locris, delivers a cosmological account of the creation of the universe, the nature of the physical world, and the role of the Demiurge.
What happens
Timaeus, a philosopher from Locris, delivers a cosmological account of the creation of the universe, the nature of the physical world, and the role of the Demiurge. He explains the formation of the world soul, the elements, and the structure of the human body and soul, linking the physical cosmos to the realm of Forms.
Themes in this chapter
The Soul and Immortality
Timaeus describes the creation of the world soul and the immortal rational soul in humans.
Knowledge and Ignorance
The dialogue distinguishes between the eternal realm of Forms (true knowledge) and the changing physical world (opinion).
Characters to notice
- Timaeus
Primary speaker; delivers the cosmological narrative.
- Socrates
Present as a listener; sets the stage for Timaeus's account.
- Critias
Present; introduces the Atlantis story as a prelude to Timaeus's cosmology.
- Hermogenes
Mentioned as part of the gathering.
Key passages
“Timaeus”
Timaeus begins his discourse on the origin and structure of the cosmos.
Opening of the main cosmological exposition.