Myth and transition

Phaedrus

pp. 143-172

in: Omid Tofighian, Myth and philosophy in Platonic dialogues, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2016

Abstract

Tofighian's reading of the Phaedrus pays attention to the relationship between the four kinds of madness, the immortality of the soul, and the myth of the charioteer. He argues that the four kinds of madness and a new account of the soul, together, represent a more refined position on epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics—a position that acknowledges the significance of beauty, love, and the body. Cultural and religious issues such as liminal space and ritual initiation are key philosophical components for understanding the plot, literary themes, and symbolism. Tofighian develops his reading of the Phaedrus by considering William Doty's working definition of myth, which appreciates the significance of cultural standpoint. His analysis of myth/philosophy interdependence reveals the dynamic relationship between passion and knowledge and between embodiment and thought.