The Ancient Quarrel Between Philosophy and Poetry Revisited

In this study Susan Levin argues that Plato takes the Greek literary tradition as a key locus of ideas with respect to linguistic issues in the Cratylus Phaedo and Republic. This evidence regarding his philosophy of language conjoined with a new interpretation of the Republic''s familiar critique of poets supports the view that far from functioning merely as a target for those seeking ways in which philosophy might benefit from appeals to literature Plato''s work represents a valuable precedent for inquiry in this area.