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This paper analyzes the dramatic development of Plato’s Phaedrus in light of the literary topos of the choice of lives, specifically via a close comparison to Heracles’Choice, the apologue attributed to Prodicus in Xenophon’s Memorabilia. I argue that, by doing so, one can better appreciate the lite...
Tallennettuna:
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| Aineistotyyppi: | Article ou chapitre numérique |
| Kieli: | Français |
| Julkaistu: |
2025
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| Linkit: | Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM |
| Yhteenveto: | This paper analyzes the dramatic development of Plato’s Phaedrus in light of the literary topos of the choice of lives, specifically via a close comparison to Heracles’Choice, the apologue attributed to Prodicus in Xenophon’s Memorabilia. I argue that, by doing so, one can better appreciate the literary background of the dramatic dilemma impinging on Phaedrus in the dialogue. In my analysis, Phaedrus faces two conflicting propositions on how to lead his life. Lysias represents the path of conventional rhetoric and a self-serving conception of love. In contrast, Socrates advocates for the path of philosophy, which redefines rhetoric and defends a divine-inspired idea of love. Like Heracles, Phaedrus is in a state of aporia, oscillating between contrasting life paths. Plato’s innovation lies in appropriating this topos to champion the pursuit of knowledge as the highest value and the philosopher’s life as the most choice-worthy. In this manner, one gains a clearer idea of what Socrates is attempting to persuade Phaedrus of and whether he is successful in this endeavor. |
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