Parmenides, Plato and Mortal Philosophy

In a new interpretation of Parmenides philosophical poem On Nature, Vishwa Adluri considers Parmenides as a thinker of mortal singularity, a thinker who is concerned with the fate of irreducibly unique individuals. Adluri argues that the tripartite division of Parmenides poem allows the thinker to brilliantly hold together the paradox of speaking about being in time and articulates a tragic knowing: mortals may aspire to the transcendence of metaphysics, but are inescapably returned to their mortal condition.Parmenides.

"This brilliant and profound study is a compelling reinterpretation of Parmenides. But it is much more than this. It invites a re-reading not only of the western philosophical tradition inaugurated by Parmenides and Plato but also of ourselves as mortals dreaming of immortality. Adluri's deeply personal and inspired interpretation of philosophy's beginning points the way to its future." - Raymond Tallis, "Adluri's work stands out for the radicality of its argument, the subtlety of its interdisciplinary interpretations, and the forthright passion that motivates it.... Adluri works with the literary, religious, and linguistic dimensions of Parmenides' words, showing a fine attention to detail. His interpretive skill is on display not only in the body of the book, but also in the appendix (137-156), which presents a new translation of Peri Phuseos with helpful notes.... Adluri's work deserves a place on the reading list of every student of pre-Socratic thought ... a stimulating return to early Greek thought from a contemporary but not merely contemporary perspective, grounded not only in the realities posited by philosophy, but in the reality lived by existing philosophers. Adluri's further research extends beyond Greek thought to Sanskrit epic. We can look forward to more of his provocative studies of ancient texts informed by vivid existential concerns." -Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

Vishwa Adluri is Adjunct Assistant Professor in Religion and Philosophy at Hunter College, City University of New York, USA, where he specializes in Ancient Philosophy, 20th Century Continental Philosophy, and Indian Philosophy.