Ps.Plutarch/Aëtius Plac. 4.11Some Comments on Sensation and Concept Formation in Stoic Thought

Abstract

Ps.Plutarch Plac. ch. 4.11 is an abridged Aëtian chapter. Material that has been cut can be identified. In its original shape the chapter not only provided information on the perception of external objects but also, presumably, on inner perception, i.e. self-awareness. The mind of the newborn infant is not a mere tabula rasa, but a tabula capable of constructing faithful and lasting images of what is perceived. The two final lemmata of the chapter show how Placita literature could be updated, and so date the account.