Rhetoric Review Jan 2004

Plato's Denunciation of Rhetoric in the Phaedrus

Brad McAdon

Abstract

Contrary to a prevailing view within rhetoric and composition circles that finds a positive view of rhetoric in the Phaedrus, I contend that Plato mockingly denounces rhetoric in the Phaedrus. To support this claim, I argue that the Phaedrus is an unmistakable response to Isocrates' Against the Sophists and needs to be understood as part of this dynamic dialogue and that in the Phaedrus Plato is distinguishing his philosophical method, as he conceives it, from Isocrates' pseudo-philosophical method (as conceived by Plato). I provide parallels between Against the Sophists and the Phaedrus and then explain the distinction between Isocrates' and Plato's respective conceptions of what the philosopher is and should do and between each writer's philosophical method.

Journal
Rhetoric Review
Published
2004-01-01
DOI
10.1207/s15327981rr2301_2
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Topics
classical rhetoric rhetorical criticism editorial matter
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (5)

  1. Jones (2025)
    Sylvan Rhetoric in the Planes of Plato’s Phaedrus
    Rhetoric Review
  2. Jasso (2019)
    Isocrates’ Panphilosophicus : Reading the Panathenaicus as a Rapprochement with…
    Advances in the History of Rhetoric
  3. Sundvall (2018)
    Without a World: The Rhetorical Potential and “Dark Politics” of Object-Oriente…
    Philosophy & Rhetoric
  4. Arthos (2008)
    Gadamer's Rhetorical Imaginary
    Rhetoric Society Quarterly
  5. Poster (2005)
    FramingTheaetetus:Plato and rhetorical (mis)representation
    Rhetoric Society Quarterly

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CrossRef global citation count: 7 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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