TY - JOUR

T1 - Myth and Truth in Republic 2-3

AU - Sevelsted, Rasmus

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - This paper argues that myth in Kallipolis is used to communicate philosophical truths, rather than distribute politically motivated falsehoods. It first considers the function of myth in the ideal artistic culture of Kallipolis (I), and the philosoph-ical theology that informs it (II). On this basis, it is argued that the discussion of medicinal falsehoods at 382a-d is more focused on the truth-content of myth than usually assumed (III). The final section (IV) explores the connection between myth in books 2-3 and Plato’s philo-sophical use of myth.

AB - This paper argues that myth in Kallipolis is used to communicate philosophical truths, rather than distribute politically motivated falsehoods. It first considers the function of myth in the ideal artistic culture of Kallipolis (I), and the philosoph-ical theology that informs it (II). On this basis, it is argued that the discussion of medicinal falsehoods at 382a-d is more focused on the truth-content of myth than usually assumed (III). The final section (IV) explores the connection between myth in books 2-3 and Plato’s philo-sophical use of myth.

U2 - 10.14195/2183-4105_22_9

DO - 10.14195/2183-4105_22_9

M3 - Journal article

VL - 22

SP - 115

EP - 131

JO - Plato Journal

JF - Plato Journal

SN - 2079-7567

ER -