Between Chora And The Good: Metaphor's Metaphysical Neighborhood by Charles P. Bigger – A Scholarly Inquiry into Plato's

Introduction

In the vast landscape of philosophical inquiry, few works dare to bridge the ancient and the modern, the metaphysical and the metaphorical, as boldly as Charles P. Bigger's Between Chora And The Good: Metaphor's Metaphysical Neighborhood. This profound hardcover volume, published by Fordham University Press, invites Indian readers and scholars into a deep exploration of Plato's Timaeus, where the creative matrix of chora meets the transcendent lure of the Good. Bigger's work is not merely an academic treatise; it is a journey into the very fabric of being, becoming, and the metaphorical language that shapes our understanding of reality. For students of philosophy, theology, and classical studies in India, this book offers a rare synthesis of Western metaphysical thought with echoes of Eastern contemplative traditions.

Book Overview

Between Chora And The Good reinterprets Plato's concept of chora—a primordial, receptive space—as a dynamic, generative principle that stands in polar opposition to the Good. Bigger argues that both chora and the Good are 'beyond being,' transcending the metaphors that have historically been used to describe the divine. The book delves into the chiasmus, or crossing, between these two poles, revealing how their mutual participation creates a 'procreative gap' between being and becoming. This gap, Bigger suggests, is the very ground where metaphor operates, allowing beings to emerge and dwell together without sublation. The work extends this framework to align the Platonic Good with the creator God of Genesis and the God of love in the New Testament, weaving a tapestry that connects classical philosophy with Judeo-Christian theology.

Key Highlights

• Original Interpretation of Chora: Bigger presents chora not as a passive receptacle but as an active, creative matrix that responds to the lure of the Good.
• Metaphor as Metaphysical Bridge: The book redefines metaphor as a crossing of terms that reveals the engendering of beings, moving beyond mere linguistic ornamentation.
• Integration of Plato and Christian Neoplatonism: A systematic alignment of the Platonic Good with the biblical creator God and the New Testament's God of love.
• Phenomenological and Cosmological Readings: The work opens up new pathways for interpreting Plato through both phenomenological and cosmological lenses.
• Scholarly Rigor with Accessible Prose: Despite its depth, Bigger's writing remains engaging for advanced students and seasoned academics alike.

Inside the Book

The book is structured around the central metaphor of chiasmus—the crossing of terms that allows the Good and chora to participate in one another. Bigger meticulously unpacks the implications of this crossing for metaphysics, hermeneutics, and theology. Readers will encounter detailed analyses of Plato's Timaeus, discussions on the nature of being and becoming, and a sustained argument for metaphor as a vehicle for metaphysical disclosure. The text also engages with the Neoplatonic tradition, particularly the works of Plotinus and Christian thinkers, to show how the Good's primacy can be reconciled with a personal, loving God. Each chapter builds upon the last, creating a cohesive narrative that challenges conventional readings of Plato.

Key Topics

• Plato's chora and the Good as transcendent principles
• The chiasmus between being and becoming
• Metaphor as a mode of metaphysical revelation
• Hermeneutics of the 'is' in metaphorical crossings
• Christian Neoplatonism and the creator God
• Phenomenological vs. cosmological interpretations of Plato
• The procreative gap and the emergence of beings

Reader Benefits

For Indian readers, this book offers a unique opportunity to engage with Western metaphysical thought in a way that resonates with indigenous philosophical traditions, such as the concept of Prakriti (primordial nature) and Brahman (the ultimate reality). Bigger's exploration of chora as a creative matrix echoes the idea of Maya as a dynamic, generative power in Indian philosophy. The book sharpens critical thinking skills, deepens understanding of metaphor's role in philosophy, and provides a fresh lens for interpreting religious texts. It is an invaluable resource for those preparing for competitive examinations in philosophy or theology, as well as for independent scholars seeking to expand their intellectual horizons.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain a nuanced understanding of Plato's chora and its metaphysical significance.
• Learn how metaphor functions as a bridge between the transcendent and the immanent.
• Develop the ability to critically analyze the relationship between being, becoming, and language.
• Understand the historical and philosophical connections between Platonism and Christian theology.
• Acquire tools for phenomenological and hermeneutical interpretation of classical texts.

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for postgraduate and doctoral students in philosophy, theology, and classical studies. It will also appeal to professors and researchers specializing in Plato, Neoplatonism, or the philosophy of language. Additionally, readers with a background in Indian philosophy who wish to explore comparative metaphysics will find Bigger's arguments both challenging and rewarding. The book is suitable for academic libraries, seminaries, and personal collections of serious readers.

About the Author

Charles P. Bigger is a distinguished philosopher and scholar whose work spans metaphysics, theology, and the philosophy of language. He has taught at several leading universities and has published extensively on Plato, Neoplatonism, and the intersection of philosophy and religion. Bigger's deep engagement with both classical and contemporary thought makes him a unique voice in the field, and his ability to bridge disparate traditions has earned him acclaim among peers. Between Chora And The Good represents the culmination of decades of reflection on the nature of metaphor and the transcendent.

About the Publisher

Fordham University Press, based in New York, is a premier academic publisher known for its rigorous scholarship in the humanities and social sciences. With a strong focus on philosophy, theology, and classical studies, Fordham University Press has published works by leading thinkers from around the world. Their commitment to high-quality, durable hardcover editions ensures that this book will be a lasting addition to any library. Indian readers can trust the academic integrity and editorial excellence that Fordham brings to every title.

Conclusion

Between Chora And The Good: Metaphor's Metaphysical Neighborhood is a landmark work that reimagines the foundations of Western metaphysics through the lens of metaphor. Charles P. Bigger's original synthesis of Plato, Neoplatonism, and Christian theology offers a fresh perspective that is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually resonant. For Indian students and scholars seeking to deepen their understanding of the transcendent, this book is an indispensable companion. Order your hardcover copy today from Bookshops.in and embark on a journey that will transform the way you think about being, language, and the divine.