The Phaedrus

In 'The Phaedrus,' Plato presents a dialogue between Socrates and Phaedrus that delves into several key themes.

The discussion begins with Phaedrus reading a speech by Lysias that argues a non-lover is preferable to a lover.

Socrates critiques this speech and then delivers two of his own speeches on love, one of which is a palinode that praises the divine nature of love.

The dialogue also explores the art of rhetoric, critiquing the Sophists for using rhetoric to manipulate rather than seek truth.

A central allegory, the charioteer myth, describes the soul as a charioteer driving two horses, symbolizing the struggle between reason and desire.

The dialogue emphasizes the transformative power of true love, guiding the soul towards divine wisdom and truth, and underscores the importance of the soul's immortality and its self-motion.