Question

On page 405, what does Plato say about the written word?

A) Plato praises the written word as the ultimate form of communication.
B) Plato is skeptical of the written word, as it can't defend itself or clarify.
C) Plato believes the written word is the only reliable source of knowledge.
D) Plato mentions that the written word is superior to oral communication.

Answer 1

Plato, through Socrates, expresses skepticism towards the written word as it cannot engage in dialogue or defend itself, which is essential in the pursuit of truth.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing what Plato says about the written word on page 405, the correct answer is B) Plato is skeptical of the written word, as it can't defend itself or clarify. In the Phaedrus, Socrates, as depicted by Plato, expresses concern that written texts are inadequate because they remain unchanging and cannot engage in active discourse. They cannot respond to questions or adapt their explanations, unlike spoken communication that allows for interactive discussion and clarification.

Plato's teacher, Socrates, favored the dialectical method, a form of rational inquiry through spoken discourse and rigorous questioning to uncover essential truths. Although Plato did commit Socrates' teachings to writing, he acknowledged the limitations of the written word in comparison to live, philosophical debate where ideas can be immediately contested and elaborated upon.

This perspective is foundational in Platonic philosophy, which posits that truth and knowledge are best discovered through continuous dialogue and reasoned debate, rather than through static written accounts that cannot interact with the reader.