A discussion by Plato is always interesting, yet challenging. Personally, and even as an English major, I have always had a curious confusion when it comes to great minds such as Plato. Certain readings are more difficult than others, but all pose interesting and seminar worthy questions.
In the discussion Phaedrus, the topic of love is tested, as well as the use of rhetoric. More specifically, Socrates questions the proper use of writing and speech. Socrates proposes that knowledge is necessary to write and speak properly and effectively. He attempts to show Phaedrus that it is ridiculous to speak without truth.
Socrates states,
“The mere knowledge of the truth is not enough to give the art of persuasion. But neither is the art of persuasion separable from the truth. But perhaps rhetoric has been getting too roughly handled by us, and she might answer: “What amazing nonsense you are talking! As if I forced any man to learn to speak in ignorance of the truth! Whatever my advice may be worth, I should have told him to arrive at the truth first, and then come to me. At the same time I boldly assert that mere knowledge of the truth will not give you the art of persuasion.”
Socrates is keen on showing Phaedrus the dangers of speaking without truth. It is a battle that still can be seen today. With today’s availability of media, truth is not always existent. Every company wants to persuade you to buy their product, every magazine wants to sell you the best story, every music artist wants your ear… So who is to say that they speak every truth without deception in these attempts to win the consumer? It’s an everyday battle. Even at the elementary level of interpersonal communication, can you always be sure that what one tells you stems from knowledge of the truth? How can you truly be certain?
Hi! Your post on Plato’s Phaedrus successfully ties Socrates’ message of rhetoric into the modern technological society and really prompts the reader to try to understand how truthful the media is. We really can never be certain if they are relaying the truth or persuading us with false information. Maybe next time, try to tie in Aristotle’s ideas about truth and persuasion as well!