Phaedrus

Purposely difficult and intentionally obsessive, Plato’s Phaedrus is an exceedingly difficult read that defies all conventional logic as a piece of discourse. The text is extremely subjective, open to interpretation and individual creativity as to what or whom the narrative is about. Written by Plato, a close disciple of Socrates, this text is set along the Illissus river where Phaedrus and Socrates meet for a day of speech, debate, rhetoric and okay…flirting. Phaedrus leads of the day and recites a speech by his close friend Lysias, who Phaedrus considers to be a top speechmaker. Socrates then, after chiding by Phaedrus unleashes two speeches of his own that overshadow and refute Lysias claim so boldly that Phaedrus is so taken by the power of Socrates, that Phaedrus I think misses the point of the entire speech. I think the main idea of the Phaedrus is that Plato’s purpose in writing the document, and using Phaedrus as an example of the reader of this dialogue, is to develop a mad passion to pursue wisdom because of the way Socrates hints, and later describes his definitions of madness, pursuit of wisdom, and critical thinking.

For it were a simple fact that insanity is evil, the saying would be true; but in reality the greatest blessings come to us through madness, when it is sent as a gift of the gods (465).

I think that one of the most powerful claims in the entire text is that of how madness is essential to pursue virtually everything, including Phaedrus’ beloved wisdom. In the quote Socrates is not suggesting or insinuating an aspect of his lesson; he is not merely attempting to get Phaedrus to think, as he so often does in this text, but right here in this quote Socrates declares his love for the ability to be mad. The ability to want something so bad, so vehemently, is what Socrates flat out told Phaedrus, is nothing short of god-like. Socrates said this after his first speech when I believe Phaedrus is just starting to “fall under the spell” that Socrates is attempting to blind him with. Speak without fear (465) Phaedrus says to Socrates just a moment before Socrates, I my opinion gives a little more information than he wants to, so early in the text. The quote on page 465 was also very strong because it was unexpected by I think both Socrates and Phaedrus.

Socrates is very adamant about madness, and how it is necessary. Necessary for all aspe...

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...rough proofs that I thought Socrates later detailed how to pursue wisdom, fueled by this mad passion that I feel Socrates felt had to illogical. I made the comparison of Bill Parish and Socrates because I felt that the same way the old, wise Socrates was teaching Phaedrus that it was the mad pursuit that makes life worth living; Bill Parish was doing the exact same thing to his daughter Susan. It was another movie though that drove me to the point of madness, even irrational thought; one that Plato wrote, Socrates directed, and Phaedrus acted in, that in the end proved my own main idea.

---- On a personal note, I would like to personally thank you for “turning me on” to classic Greek literature. Especially all the encouragement you have given me in making this paper my own, and becoming literally addicted, passionate even, about the Phaedrus. I get the feeling though, that I can read and re-read this for 10 years and still not fully “get” everything that I could or should. But I guess that is the purpose of a text of this magnitude. I really hope enjoyed reading my thoughts on this, because I can honestly say I have had a great time writing it.