The unity of phaedrus

Abstract

My dissertation will discuss the whole argument of Plato's Phaedrus according to a particular approach I have adopted. This approach deals with three problems unique to this dialogue: (a) the subject of Phaedrus, (b) the influence of Phaedrus as the interlocutor and (c) the critique of written works. To solve these problems, I will divide the subject into four stages and examine each stage. Finally, the question "what unites Phaedrus?" will be answered. There are four stages, each corresponding to a chapter. Chapter 2: (1) In the first part of this dialogue, what is argued? Chapter 3: (2) In the second part of this dialogue, what is argued? Chapter 4: (3) How do the characters converse on those topics? Chapter 5: (4) What does the author, Plato, intend to express by writing this dialogue? Chapters 2 and 3 will discuss problem (a), chapter 4 is on problem (b) and chapter 5 is on (c). As the arguments proceed through its stages, I think we may acquire the more comprehensive and transcendental view: the view of the author. Through this dissertation, we shall seem to understand the main subject: that the best kind of companionship (the aspect of love) consists in inquiring into truth by engaging in logos (the aspect of rhetoric) [from chs.2 and 3]. And what Plato wants to tell us by writing this dialogue is to show a picture of a philosopher which Plato regards as true [ch.4] and to attempt to provoke us the readers, in order to encourage us to practise this activity in the way that Socrates does [ch.5]. As we leave the dialogue, we are supposed to embark on philosophical search for ourselves.