Forms and Concepts

Forms and Concepts is the first comprehensive study of the central role of concepts and concept acquisition in the Platonic tradition. It sets up a stimulating dialogue between Platos innatist approach and Aristotles much more empirical response. The primary aim is to analyze and assess the strategies with which Platonists responded to Aristotles (and Alexander of Aphrodisias) rival theory. The monograph culminates in a careful reconstruction of the elaborate attempt undertaken by the Neoplatonist Proclus (6th century AD) to devise a systematic Platonic theory of concept acquisition.