“And the Goddess Received Me” on my Way Back through Parmenidesʼ Account

Abstract

Based on some passages by Plato, the author proposes that the writings of most pre-Socratic philosophers develop an insinuating and indirect discourse that derives from a private and essential one which would openly contain their deep doctrine. For the scholar, the challenge now is to carry out, in total freedom from any misleading prejudice, an objective and penetrating analysis of the pre-Socratic mode of expression, so that he or she is enabled to take the “leap” from the public discourse to the private and intimate one. Parmenideʼs case stands out as an especial example, as his Muse gives some clues and hints that, if captured by a very attentive and thoughtful reader, will grant him or her clear access to some inward zones of Parmenidesʼ thought.