Abstract

Although most scholars agree that the lexicon of Sophist 232b1-236d4 is similar to that of Republic X, they leave undetermined whether they are theoretically compatible. Notably, both dialogues elucidate the art of imitation through the metaphor of the painter who deceives his pupils through φαντάσματα. I argue that Plato’s conception of imitation of the Republic is not only consistent with that presented in the Sophist, but also importantly integrates it.

Highlights

  • Both dialogues elucidate the art of imitation through the metaphor of the painter who deceives his pupils through φαντάσματα

  • I argue that Plato’s conception of imitation of the Republic is consistent with that presented in the Sophist, and importantly integrates it

  • Following Lesley Brown’s summary they are (D1) a paid hunter of young men who purports to teach excellence, (D2) a travelling salesman of knowledge; (D3) a stay-at-home retailer of products for the soul, whether produced by others, or (D4) by himself; (D5) a combative controversialist who deals in disputation for money; (D6) an educator who separates better from worse, revealing contradiction through crossquestioning, and (D7) a producer of images in men’s souls, an imitator of the wise person, who is aware of his own ignorance when teaching via private cross-questionings. (Brown, 2010, p. 152)

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Summary

Introduction

Both dialogues elucidate the art of imitation through the metaphor of the painter who deceives his pupils through φαντάσματα. This is clearly in line with my reading of the metaphor of the spoken images and points toward the same conclusion: young people are deceived because they pass their judgment without the aid of the intellect.

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