Abstract: The aim of this paper is to examine one passage at the very beginning of the Poetics (Poet. 1.1.1447a2-b13) in which Aristotle mentions the logoi sōkratikoi. I propose to read this passage alongside three other passages: fr. 3 Ross [= 44a Janko] of Aristotle’s dialogue On the poets, Rhet. 3.16.1417a15-22, and POxy 3219 fr. 1 Haslam [= PCG I Sophron Test. 4, 188].Two questions will guide my reading of these passages: (1) what do we learn from them on Aristotle’s view of the generic nature and distinct features of the Socratic dialogue?; (2) is Aristotle’s treatment of this literary genre partly motivated by an anti-Platonic polemic?

 

The colloquium will begin at 11:00 AM Houston CST (GMT-6). The colloquium will last 1.5 hours. Prof. El Murr will present his talk, followed by discussion.

 

Registration is required.
Email socratessociety@rice.edu for the registration link.