Plato's Ion: Poetry, Expertise, and Inspiration

This Element argues that Plato's Ion presents a comedic figure, a self-ignorant fool whose foolishness is a function of his passive relation to Homer, and that critical engagement is the proper way for audiences to treat poetry, allowing for the possibility that poetry may express some truths without endorsing the idea that poets are experts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element presents an interpretation of Plato's Ion, with a primary focus on the audience's reception of poetry. The dialogue explores and rejects two models of poetic reception: the expertise model, which renders the audience entirely passive in their engagement with poetry, and the inspiration model, which posits that poetry solely inspires the audience. Instead, the Element presents Ion as a comedic figure, a self-ignorant fool whose foolishness stems from his passive relation to Homer.

In conclusion, this Element argues that for Plato, critical engagement is the appropriate approach for audiences to engage with poetry. This perspective allows for the possibility that poetry can convey certain truths without necessarily endorsing the notion that poets possess authoritative knowledge. It encourages readers to approach poetry with a discerning and analytical mindset, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of its artistic and philosophical dimensions.

Weight: 128g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108713450