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Ion

by Plato

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Read by Simon-Peter Zak · 53 min · 2 parts

0 Introduction
11:38
1 Ion
42:13

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About this book

A prizewinning performer meets a questioner who wants to know what his talent actually proves. In Plato's short dialogue, Ion has returned from a festival at Epidaurus and speaks confidently about his ability to interpret Homer. Socrates tests that confidence by asking why Ion's insight seems to vanish when other poets are discussed. Their exchange turns a conversation about recitation into an inquiry about knowledge, skill and inspiration.

Benjamin Jowett's translation includes an introduction to the argument. The dialogue compares poetic influence to a chain of magnetic rings linking divine inspiration, poet, performer and audience. Ion describes the tears and fear he feels on stage, while Socrates presses him to distinguish emotional power from expertise.

About the author

Plato

Plato (c. 428-348 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, and founder of the Academy in Athens. His dialogues are among the most influential works in the history of thought.