Framing the Dialogues

It is well known that scrutiny of Plato's first words begins with Proclus' commentary on the Parmenides. Proclus asks how we, the readers of a Platonic dialogue, could or should treat the prooimia of the dialogues. Proclus supports the view that a reader should first understand the dialogue and then revisit the opening scene, aiming to understand how the philosophical content developed in the main part of the dialogue sheds light on the prelude. It is thanks to Myles Burnyeat that Proclus' approach to the Platonic prooimia became part of the contemporary discussion regarding the nature of Plato's first words--