Plato on Belief in Epistemically Risky Theories

In the Timaeus, the primary epistemological question is not about knowledge of the Forms but rather about rational belief in explanatory accounts of recondite phenomena in the sensible world, including accounts with mythical elements. The answer provided in the dialogue includes both the specification of epistemic risks that beset those accounts and the identification of norms by which the risks can be mitigated. This paper offers an analysis of those risks and norms and applies it to the cosmological/eschatological account in the Phaedo, arguing that it sheds light on the question of the philosopher’s reasons for accepting that account.