Elements in the Pre-cosmic Chaos in Plato’s Timaeus

In this paper I discuss the pre-cosmic state of elements in the Timaeus, when they existed as “vestiges of their own nature” (53b2). In the Timaeus, Plato distinguishes between two states of the elements: pre-cosmic (47e-53c) and cosmic (53c-57d). While the cosmic state of the elements has been extensively analyzed, the pre-cosmic state remains less clear and continues to be the topic of ongoing scholarly debate. Some scholars share the opinion that in the pre-cosmic state of the world the elements were bodies having certain stereometric forms (e. g. Archer-Hind, Taylor, Mortley, Mohr, Miller etc.). While other scholars believe that there were no bodies, but some forces and qualities placed in the Receptacle (e. g. Cornford, Zeyl, Waterfield etc.). I would like to demonstrate that the first interpretation is more consistent with Platos overall thought than the second. Firstly, I examine the cosmic state of the elements, shaped by the Demiurge into regular polyhedra, in comparison with the pre-cosmic chaos, described as a field of heterogeneous, unbalanced forces. Secondly, I define the status of elements in the Timaeus, their role as causes of motion, and the nature of the Receptacle. And finally, I analyze the opinions of ancient commentators on the pre-cosmic chaos, including the presence of primary bodies there and the interpretation of vestiges of the elements. I came to the conclusion, that (1) Cornfords interpretation, which posits only forces and qualities in the pre-cosmic chaos, contradicts Platos fundamental premise that physical movement requires a bodily substrate.; and (2) the description of the pre-cosmic state of the world, which suggests the presence of the elements as disordered and unformed bodies, was widely supported by the views of Platos ancient commentators.