Can Poetry Be a Source of Knowledge? - Socrates' View - Essay Sample

Introduction

Socrates attempts to present arguments that poetry indeed is not a form of knowledge but an inspiration to specific themes and contexts. From Plato’s Ion, Socrate’s is portrayed as a philosophical figure who strives to extract sufficient knowledge from various works and attempts to derive amounts of wisdom from the same. It is rather a difficult task to determining if at all with poetry, one can be able to conclude as a legitimate source of knowledge. There existing the possibility of prominent philosophers developing pieces of poetry work from their perceptions and experiences of life. It is considering that content varies from one poet to another, Socrates doesn’t agree with Plato from concepts of his dialogue Ion. He claims that poetry in true is not a form of knowledge but a source of inspiration to a reader.

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Strengths

There are some assumptions that Socrates presents to offer legitimacy to his claims. It is to satisfy then determinations of the existing differences between inspiration and knowledge, as such consequent conclusions of what was actively utilized in Plato’s dialogue, Ion. The first assumption is based on the concepts of knowledge from various definitions. Socrates states knowledge as the ability to confine any arguments within the limitations of already certified subjects and proven aspects of selected artworks.

He also assumes that any professionals involved in any art should comprehensively understand the specifics of all rules established to govern operations to those arts. As such, any craftsman should consider the need to retain relevance to the art they indulge in professionally. It would then be assured by adhering to established guidelines that would assure appropriateness to all developed segments. Such are a legitimate basis to his claims as there should always exist a baseline to the expected levels of content to one’s work while still assuring expected relevance and purpose to their work.

To also support his claims, he also associates several distinctions that tend to associate with the hierarchy of knowledge. There is the inclusion of science provides knowledge-based on proof on the existing principles identified to specific events or situations. Such provides a chance to determine the various causes to these occasions with the possibility of identifying active factors with regards to the same. He further presents discussions based on practical wisdom, which provides the opportunity to identifying beneficial issues or items.

A relative concept is a possibility to developing a hierarchical framework that ranks selected issues or items with regards to their levels of goodness. He allocates attention also on craft knowledge and the expectation that an artist will align their presentation to other previous work that was certified to be of good quality and effectively serves the purpose of the work. It is considering that with any form of art, there is always a specific direction to expectations from content availed. It is considering the existing universal goals to assuring attainment of identified goals from the work.

The dialogue with Ion shows some sought of misalignment of the format. It is showing more of a casual nature to it with none existing senses of linearity. There is an expectation that such works should be explicit, which is not the case from observations of the dialogues final presentation. There is an expectation of not making any instances obvious to one’s audience. Socrates then argues that there is no clear understanding Homer’s thoughts or ideas. Such will enable accurate deductions on the messages being passed across with consideration to the exact meaning of the poem. If one identifies a specific concept as being good they should then have the ability to also identify those that are bad.

Weaknesses

Arguments presented from Socrate’s claims possess several concerns that can be raised to counter them. Socrates assumes that the rhapsode, Ion, lacks the baseline qualifications expected for a poet. It is rather challenging to conclude, such as the level of understanding that Ion has to previous arts cannot be determined based on assumptions. On a rational basis, there is a possibility that one utilizes the amounts of knowledge on specific ideas to develop the inspiration to transform such experience into something unique. As such, Socrates’ view of knowledge may vary in specifics from derivations made by another philosopher. All to use their art to pass forms of information. The ultimate purpose of maintaining the Greek culture while still developing advanced senses of creativity. He bases on the traditional Greek beliefs of the intervention of their gods to inspire individuals to compose their various forms of work.

However, one should not assume that this is always the case. Interaction with previous works of other artists can provide individuals with the knowledge and expectations of the various artworks that they desire to develop. Also, various artists desire to implement associated artistic techniques that offer the reader with an opportunity to the interpretation of ideas from numerous perspectives. A poet should not be limited to rules that his predecessors develops and thought that they would be useful in maintaining relevance to their arts. Such limit an individual’s creativity and the motivation to advancing on the concepts existing to their selected arts. Every form of art has been allocated senses of freedom to the protocols utilized during work. Any philosopher should be able to determine what best fits their professional portfolios to maximize performance.

Reference

Vlastos, G., Gregory, V. 1994. Socratic studies. Cambridge University Press.