To his [ Plato's ] great disappointment, he found…
![“To his [ Plato's ] great disappointment, he found Anaxagoras adducing simple physical reasons, instead of the teleological reasons, which he had expected. Such a teacher could no longer allure him.” quote by George Henry Lewes](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/8f7/george-henry-lewes-4544_allure_to-his-plato-s-great-disappointment-he-f_1092206.jpg)
“To his [ Plato's ] great disappointment, he found Anaxagoras adducing simple physical reasons, instead of the teleological reasons, which he had expected. Such a teacher could no longer allure him.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Plato expected teleological explanations, but Anaxagoras offered physical causes, disappointing him.
In simple terms: Plato wanted purpose‑driven answers, got material ones.
Key Takeaway
Recognize differing explanatory styles in philosophy.
Themes
philosophy
explanation
disappointment
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- academic research
- intellectual discourse
Key Concepts
teleology
materialism
historical debate
Questions to Reflect On
- Can material explanations fully address existential questions?
- How do we balance purpose and cause?
A Different Perspective
Modern science often favors physical explanations, challenging traditional teleology.