skopos (σκοπος)

(Language: Greek)

Short Description: aim, purpose, target

Long Description: aim, purpose, target; Iamblichus deeveloped the doctrine that each philosophical source work, especially in the case of Plato’s dialogues (since the dialogue is regarded as a microcosmic reflection of the divine macrocosm) must have one basic subject matter, or skopos, to which all parts of the text are related; consequently, the introductory portion of the dialogues now assume an allegorical and metaphysical significance.

Sources: The Golden Chain: An Anthology of Platonic and Pythagorean Philosophy, by Dr. Algis Uždavinys