On the interpretation of Parmenides’ doxa: in search of cosmology

Abstract

The paper outlines some alternatives for a consistent interpretation of the Parmenidean doctrine from the perspective of some modern interpretations, that is, existentional (Calogero, Owen) and predicational (Murelatos, Curd). The paper analyzes the function of Parmenidean doxa. It raises the question of whether cosmology is possible in terms of these interpretations, and whether is it possible to interpret doxa as specific part of the doctrine or as an independent way of knowledge, i.e. as philosophical inquiry. It is concluded that Parmenides does not have a cosmological teaching, and doxa is neither a cosmology, nor a specific way of knowledge. But doxa has a specific task to ground the new philosophical principle of inquiry for truth (didzesis) by reasoning through common human errors made by non-genuine thought in its search for knowledge.