Myth as a Bridge Between Science and Religion in the Timaeus

What is the value of myths and mythmaking in the Platonic worldview? I argue in this paper that the retelling and explanation of the creation myth in Timaeus shows that myth and mythmaking ultimately bind religion and science, that is, the why and how of reality, together. It gives an analysis of the creation myth together with Plato’s view of mythmaking, both present in this particular dialogue, which show how myth legitimizes reality through a cycle of narration and interpretation. Within this cycle, therefore, new knowledge and insight into reality are produced, which in turn bind the Greeks’ perspective more seamlessly: their beliefs about themselves and the world are almost inseparable from their explanation of how things work. It concludes by showing us the essential character of myths in the classical worldview as bearers of meaning, which allows us to reflect not merely on our present views on myths, but also the way we interpret the myths that persist until today.