Plato’s Theory of the Elemental Bodies in the Timaeus

Abstract

This article focuses on problems of interpretation of Plato’s theory of the elemental bodies in the Timaeus. The purpose of the study is to present Plato’s doctrine of the elements as particles consisting of primary triangles. Our special attention will be given to the following topics. First, to the question of the pre-cosmic state of the elemental bodies, namely: (1) whether the elements were qualities of the receptacle or independent powers (δυνάμεις), (2) what language of description Plato considers preferable (i.e. whether it is worth calling them by names “fire”, “water”, etc.), (3) whether the elements were images of forms and (4) had a corpuscular structure. Second, to the question concerning primary triangles from which the surfaces of the elemental bodies are constructed: (1) are they bodies or not, (2) in what relation do they stand with the nature of the receptacle, and (3) whether they differ in size. And third, to the question of the correspondence of the forms of the elements with their natural properties. We show that (1) the elements were always thought of by Plato as images of intelligible forms and had a corpuscular structure, (2) that all the secondary properties of the elements are reduced to their geometric structure, (3) that the primary triangles are the same bodies as the elements, (4) that the primary triangles are not identical with the receptacle and (5) differ from each other in species but do not vary in size within each species.