Plato's Dialectic at Play

Plato's Dialectic at Play, Volume 1, examines the intricate relationship between argument, structure, and myth within the Symposium. Kevin Corrigan explores how Plato utilizes the dialogical form as the core of philosophical exploration rather than mere ornamentation. This scholarly work analyzes the structural design of the text to show how dialectic functions as a form of play. By investigating the layers of the dialogue, the text reveals a dynamic connection between Diotima's higher mysteries and the overall organization of the work.

This academic study within the Plato category offers a detailed look at the ascent to the Beautiful and its connection to the Republic. The analysis applies criteria from Nietzsche and Mikhail Bakhtin to suggest the Symposium functions as an early novel. Readers gain insight into major themes in Platonic scholarship, including the nature of art, the body-soul connection, and the relationship between mythos and logos.