Review: The Dialogues of Plato: Ion - Meno

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The Dialogues of Plato, written by the philosopher Plato, are a collection of script-like arguments the philosopher makes. This style of writing, as opposed to the traditional 3rd person text, shows two characters discussing philosophical ideas. In the dialogues, it is Socrates, Plato's teacher, and some other individual(s). The "premise" of each dialogue is that Socrates approaches a certain person and asks them a question pertaining to the nature of virtue, knowledge, poetry recitation, etc. Because the book is written in this way, it makes it much more interesting to read than other philosophical texts. Additionally, Plato's arguments are elegant and clear, having a different point of view than you or I would have on the matter. He uses the most obscure connections to prove points. Sometimes you are convinced he is on a tangent, but he then connects it back to the main point at hand.

In the book Ion, Socrates confronts a great poetry reciter named Ion. Ion claims he is the greatest there ever was at reciting and interpreting Homer's works, particularly Illiad and The Odyssey. Socrates then asks the reciter why it is that he only has skill for Homer and no one else. For if Homer and another poet discuss the same matters, and he can perfectly deduce, understand, and interpret Homer, then he should be able to do the same for the other. The argument is based on the fact that a doctor who can treat a certain illness in one person, for example, should be able to treat that illness in every person. Ion tells Socrates that he is correct, but that it is not how it is in reality. Socrates then uses the concept of "divine influence" to explain inspiration poets gain, and that like magnets the influence is passed onto the interpreters. In the end, Socrates determines that Ion is merely a vessel for divine influence when he recites Homer.

In the next book, Meno, Socrates confronts a wealthy man named Menon. Socrates asks Menon if he knows what virtue is and whether it can be taught. Menon mentions several virtues and says that virtue is different for everyone. For example, he says that a man's virtue is different from a woman's. However, this is not what Socrates was looking for. He wanted one virtue, not multiple. Socrates proceeds to define the qualities of virtue and cross-reference them with other "good" attributes. In the end, Socrates determines that virtue is having "right opinion" and that it cannot be taught.

This book is valuable to whomsoever picks it up. It gives an insight into metaphysical concepts in a simple, yet beautiful manner. You will find yourself enthralled in the arguments proposed and spending hours contemplating only a few pages. It is truly "food for thought." Anyone who considers themselves a lover of philosophy must read this book. I would give this book 5/5 stars and highly recommend it.

Comments

  1. Luke YouSeptember 13, 2019 at 11:27 AM

    It seems like Socrates has a very unique method of thinking when it comes to understanding and debating. I appreciate how you gave clear examples of Socrates' thinking methods and his final conclusions. It seems like Socrates is telling others about an extreme way of thinking, but one that is still correct. By doing so, Socrates is opening the minds of many others to start thinking in new ways. I'm not one to read philosophical pieces of literature, but your post makes this one seem quite interesting. If I were to ever have to read something philosophical, I would definitely check this one out.

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  2. DanielSeptember 19, 2019 at 12:14 PM

    I liked how you explained the premise of the collection of script-like arguments, as it really helped me better understand the reading. Your explanation of the books assisted me in discerning the thinking methods of socrates, as well as those with whom he was talking. This really helped me fathom theses metaphysical concepts which had never crossed my mind. Although I have never read anything this philosophical before, I might give this one a chance as it seems really interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Emily C.September 19, 2019 at 7:46 PM

    The Dialogues of Plato sounds like a very interesting and thought-provoking book. Plato's unique way of presenting philosophical ideas seems to make them more engaging. I have never been interested in philosophy, but I might have to try reading this book, as it sounds quite different from others of this genre.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ArjunSeptember 20, 2019 at 6:30 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ArjunSeptember 20, 2019 at 6:33 AM

      I accidentally said Plato instead of Socrates in one section. I'll try to sum up what I said. You have very specific and clear examples as to why Socrates was such a skilled debater. I like how you included two very interesting portions in order to prove your point.

      Delete

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