Concept ΑΙΩΝ in Plato’s Cosmology

Abstract

According to the widely spread opinion amonghistorians of philosophy, Plato makesaphilosophical conceptualization ofword αἰών,using it in the sense of “eternity” and implying infinity and timelessness. However, a careful analysis of Plato’s cosmological ideas in the context of early usage of αἰών gives a basis for rejection of this traditional point of view. The paper presents an attempt to interpret the concept relying on the most reliable meaning ofthe word — “Life”, extended to the sense of the fullness of being. Thus, our approach seems not only hermeneutically adequate, but gives a new perspective on the central questions of the Plato’s cosmology.