Plato on Rhetoric and Language

This volume offers a new interpretation of Plato's thoughts on rhetoric and language. It is intended for scholars and students of classical rhetoric, English, and philosophy.

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Plato on Rhetoric and Language presents, for the first time in one volume, four key Platonic dialogues on rhetoric and language in complete, contemporary translations: the Ion, the Protagoras, the Gorgias, and the Phaedrus. Previously, those interested in reading or teaching these dialogues had to acquire several books, typically having introductions that portrayed Plato's philosophy as strictly anti-rhetorical. The introduction to this volume treats Plato's discussions of the language arts as central to his philosophical practice. Reflecting current critical discussions about the significance of ambiguities and inconsistencies in the dialogues, the introduction approaches them as enacting the dialogical and rhetorical practice of philosophy rather than as expositions of doctrine. Readers are thus invited to participate in the dialogues as vital philosophical conversations about issues that animate contemporary rhetorical and literary thought today.

Specific features of this text include:
* four key dialogues on rhetoric and language presented in one volume in complete, contemporary translations;
* an introduction that discusses the complexities of Plato's dialogues and views on language, writing, dialogue, rhetoric, and poetics in a readable style;
* brief introductions to each dialogue that point out the major features of the dialogue as well as raise questions to stimulate thoughtful reading;
* an expanded bibliography for those interested in pursuing further critical discussion of the texts; and
* an index to key terms and concepts covered in the introduction and dialogues.