On Melissus, Xenophanes and Gorgias
Three discussions present and criticize arguments about being, unity, divinity and the limits of discourse. The work is a major but difficult source for thinkers whose writings do not survive intact.
Understanding the text
The author is unidentified; the transmitted title and textual problems prevent treating it as a direct transcript of the three philosophers.
Transmitted under Aristotle’s name; personal authorship is disputed or rejected.
Key points
- 01
Melissus
The analysis tests moves from absence of generation to the infinity and unity of what exists.
- 02
Xenophanes
Relations between divinity, unity and immobility depend on distinctions organized by the witness itself.
- 03
Gorgias
Successive arguments concerning being, knowledge and communication challenge the conditions of making assertions.
How to read it
Distinguish reported doctrine, the compiler’s objections and modern editorial reconstruction.
Editions & sources
- Consult the reference 1loebclassics.comnew tab
- Consult the reference 2plato.stanford.edunew tab
- Consult the reference 3classics.mit.edunew tab
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗