(Re)-reading without Writing?
Abstract
At the heart of the Phaedrus lies a performative contradiction. On the one hand, Socrates lambasts writing, and on the other hand, he depends on writing for re-reading, in both a literal and figurative sense. Socrates has Phaedrus re-read the beginning of Lysias’ speech twice (262d, 263e), and in so doing demonstrates the power of re-reading all kinds of speeches.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Classical Philosophy and Thought
Classical Studies and Philology
Classical Antiquity Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Ancient Philosophy
- Volume
- 46
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 89–103
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026