Ion

by Platon

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In Plato's Ion Socrates discusses with the titular character, a professional rhapsode who also lectures on Homer, the question of whether the rhapsode, a performer of poetry, gives his performance on account of his skill and knowledge or by virtue of divine possession. It is one of the shortest of Plato's dialogues.

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One of the most charming and witty of all the dialogues. Socrates, talking to a self-satisfied rhapsode who specializes exclusively in Homer, concludes that Ion has no knowledge but is instead either dishonest or divinely inspired. This suits Ion just fine and, claiming to be the latter, he treats Socrates' ironic critique as a form of praise.
Íon é o maior rapsodo da Grécia, ao menos no que concerne as obras de Homero. Fato é, ele as sabe por inspiração divina, motivado sobrehumanamente em direção a interpretar o poeta com maestria (o que na época envolve provavelmente se emocionar, interpretar personagens e até fazer inclusive efeitos sonoros para os acontecimentos - como comenta o Peter Kivy em algum lugar). Mas o fato de que não consegue um bom desempenho com outros é para Sócrates prova de que não se trata de arte, mas de centelha divina (o que Arthur C. Danto vai chamar de "estilo"). Ou seja, não se trata de artifício especialmente motivado, de conhecimento especialmente adequado e treinamento surpreendentemente produtivo, mas algo da ordem do show more acontecimento, entusiasmo - magnetismo e carisma, mas não técnica. Saber uma arte é algo geral, mas Íon é loucura especifista. É como alguém continuamente sob a força dos deuses, tal comocomo as musas que inspiraram o pior poeta Tinitus, o que faz o ouvido apitar, a fazer um único bom poema, tributário, para mostrar seu poder. De toda forma, o que a poesia sabe? Também aqui comparece a ladaínha de que o poeta fala de algo sem o dominar praticamente e portanto, seu domínio é o das aparências apenas. show less

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2,751+ Works 101,164 Members
Plato was born c. 427 B.C. in Athens, Greece, to an aristocratic family very much involved in political government. Pericles, famous ruler of Athens during its golden age, was Plato's stepfather. Plato was well educated and studied under Socrates, with whom he developed a close friendship. When Socrates was publically executed in 399 B.C., Plato show more finally distanced himself from a career in Athenian politics, instead becoming one of the greatest philosophers of Western civilization. Plato extended Socrates's inquiries to his students, one of the most famous being Aristotle. Plato's The Republic is an enduring work, discussing justice, the importance of education, and the qualities needed for rulers to succeed. Plato felt governors must be philosophers so they may govern wisely and effectively. Plato founded the Academy, an educational institution dedicated to pursuing philosophic truth. The Academy lasted well into the 6th century A.D., and is the model for all western universities. Its formation is along the lines Plato laid out in The Republic. Many of Plato's essays and writings survive to this day. Plato died in 347 B.C. at the age of 80. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

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Common Knowledge

Canonical title
Ion
Original title
Ἴων
Original publication date
c. 380 B.C.
People/Characters
Socrates (c.&thinsp | 470&ndash | 399 BC); Ion; Plato; Homer
Important places
Ancient Greece; Athens, Greece; Greece
Important events
Classical Antiquity; 4th century BCE
First words
Welcome, Ion.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Then, Ion, I shall assume the nobler alternative; and attribute to you in your praises of Homer inspiration, and not art.
Original language
Ancient Greek

Classifications

Genres
Philosophy, Nonfiction, Literature Studies and Criticism
DDC/MDS
184Philosophy & psychologyAncient, medieval & eastern philosophyPlatonic philosophy
LCC
PA4279Language and LiteratureGreek language and literature. Latin language and literatureGreek literatureIndividual authorsPlato
BISAC

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222
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Reviews
3
Rating
½ (3.26)
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Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
43
ASINs
8