Notes on the papyri of Plato and the constitution of the text†

Abstract

In addition to other sources, Plato's dialogues are transmitted via 130 papyri that contribute to the constitution of the text. Starting from the Corpus dei papiri filosofici greci e latini volumes, about 1070 readings preserved by the Platonic papyri have been collected in a database, where they have been classified in different lists. For instance, the papyri may preserve new correct readings or, since in principle they represent half of the tradition, they can be seen as contributing to the choice between adiaphora. In addition, papyri belie conjectures much more than they confirm them, thus rehabilitating the mistrusted medieval text.