PLATO AND PARADOXIA OF THE BEGINNING IN PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

Problem of the beginning of philosophy is analysed for the fi rst time in philosophicaltradition in Plato’s Politeia (6th and 7th book). The author considers this analysis signifi cant intwofold sense. It explicates Plato’s understanding of the essence of philosophy on the base of differentiationbetween the hypothetical and non-hypothetical beginning of thinking. That enablesPlato to make a clear distinction between philosophy and sciences. Both of these two standpointscan still be today recognized as paradigms of philosophical thinking. The author evaluates themas that which still lives in Plato’s philosophy.