Plato's dialogue Cratylus focuses on being and human dependence on words, or the essential truths about the human condition. Arguing that comedy is an essential part of Plato's concept of language, S. Montgomery Ewegen asserts that understanding the comedic is key to an understanding of Plato's deeper philosophical intentions. Ewegen shows how Plato's view of language is bound to comedy through words and how, for Plato, philosophy has much in common with playfulness and the ridiculous. By tying words, language, and our often uneasy relationship with them to comedy, Ewegen frames a new reading of this notable Platonic dialogue.

Plato as humorist

About the Author

S. Montgomery Ewegen is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Trinity College.

Reviews

Ewegen's monograph is a stimulating examination of an understudied issue. The project is an essential one, and Ewegen is good in demonstrating how the comic/tragic dichotomy can contribute to a deeper understanding of other tensions within the text. More studies like these are needed: studies that make use of philosophical debate in order to contribute to a broader philological understanding of Platonic dialogue.

* Bryn Mawr Classical Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253010445
Author S. Montgomery Ewegen
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 553g