Chorology: On Beginning in Plato's Timaeus

Traces of the Χώρα

Traces of the C»ra 125 4 Traces of the C»ra F R O M T R A C E S T O P R I M A R Y B O D I E S As he approaches the chorology, Timaeus counts the three kinds three times. The ¤rst counting occurs near the beginning of the second discourse (48e): whereas previously two were distinguished, now a third kind must be declared. Adhering to the numbering schema established at the threshold and the beginning of the chorology, by which the ¤rst is the selfsame, intelligible e†doV, the second the generated sensible, and the third the c»ra, the ¤rst counting may be represented thus: 1, 2—now 3 This counting expresses the framework of the ¤rst discourse (the twofold) and the transition from it. The second counting comes just after the discussion of the ¶eeting ¤re, air, water, and earth circling in their cycle of transformations (which are not yet, in the strict sense, formations at all). The counting occurs in the discussion of the third kind as the receptacle of these fugitives, precisely at a point where Timaeus is in the midst of presenting the various images intended to portray its receptive character (50c–d): there is need to think of three kinds, that which is generated, that in which it is generated, and that from which it is copied and begotten. Adhering to the same numbering schema, this second counting may be represented thus: 2, 3, 1 This counting expresses the shift to the precosmic sensible, to the fugitive traces. The third counting immediately follows the second (50d): it is ¤tting to 126 CHOROLOGY liken the recipient to the mother, the from which to the father, and what is engendered between them to the offspring. In schematic representation: 3, 1, 2 This counting expresses the focus on the c»ra that comes into effect here and remains in force until the end of the chorology. It is not entirely fortuitous that this focus is established at precisely the moment when the c»ra is called the mother. Then there is another counting of the three kinds at the point where the threshold of the chorology gives way to the chorology proper. Or rather, there is a reversion to the ¤rst—presumably proper—counting at this point where the c»ra is ¤nally called by its proper name (52a–b): the¤rst is the selfsame e†doV, the second the generated sensible, and moreover a third kind is that of the c»ra. This is the counting in which the numbering schema is established: 1, 2, 3 But then, ¤nally, just after the chorology, there is still another counting (52d): there is being, c»ra, and generation—that is: 1, 3, 2 This counting expresses schematically what the chorology has declared and in some respects shown: that the intelligible e†doV and the c»ra are required for there to be a generated image, that is, a double of being outside being. In carrying out this ¤nal counting of the three kinds, Timaeus is stating the account to which he gives—and says that he gives—his vote: it declares “being [ªn] and c»ra and genesis to be [e†nai], three in a threefold manner, before the generation of the heaven” (52d). Here there is a marked shift in the discourse, a transition from that most correct and most thoroughly distinguishing discourse required in the chorology, a kind of falling away from the demands of such a level of discourse. There are two indications of this falling away. The ¤rst is the designation of this account as ìn kejalaÖ‚, which indicates such a shift regardless of whether one takes the phrase merely as meaning in summary or as carrying still the reference to the head that was operative earlier. The second indication is provided by the very formulation of the account: each of the three kinds is said to be (e†nai), even though one of them is called being (ªn) and even though the chorology has declared that, in quite different ways, both the generated and the c»ra are remote from being. On the other hand, the brief discourse (52d–53c) immediately following the chorology does venture certain extensions that in a sense move beyond the chorology. This discourse is no longer addressed just to the Traces of the C»ra 127...