The Play of Character in Plato's Dialogues [Paperback]

This book provides an interpretation of Plato from the point of view of dramatic characterization.This book is an interpretation of Plato in general, and several dialogues in particular, from the point of view of dramatic characterization. It thus forms part of the growing movement towards reading Plato 'dramatically', as opposed to reading him as if he wrote treatises like most philosophers. At the same time, it is intended to show traditional 'analytical' philosophical interpreters the significance of such 'literary' features for understanding the philosophical issues at stake. Its overall goal is to bridge the gulf still existing between such interpreters and more 'literary' readers.This book is an interpretation of Plato in general, and several dialogues in particular, from the point of view of dramatic characterization. It thus forms part of the growing movement towards reading Plato 'dramatically', as opposed to reading him as if he wrote treatises like most philosophers. At the same time, it is intended to show traditional 'analytical' philosophical interpreters the significance of such 'literary' features for understanding the philosophical issues at stake. Its overall goal is to bridge the gulf still existing between such interpreters and more 'literary' readers.This book is an interpretation of Plato in general, and several dialogues in particular, from the point of view of dramatic characterization. It thus forms part of the growing movement towards reading Plato dramatically , as opposed to reading him as if he wrote treatises like most philosophers. At the same time, it is intended to show traditional analytical philosophical interpreters the significance of such literary features for understanding the philosophical issues at stake. Its overall goal is to bridge the gulf still existing between such interpreters and more literary readers.Preface; 1. Drama and dialogue; 2. The imitation of character; 3. The elenctic Sokrates at work: Hippias Minor;l“7