The Ancient Quarrel Between Philosophy and Poetry Revisited: Plato and the Greek Literary Tradition - Hardcover

The idea behind Levin's book is a welcome addition to a growing trend in Platonic studies of taking seriously Plato's philosophical affair with language and literature. (Ancient Philosophy)

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.