What does Socrates mean when in Plato's Ion, he says "Poets are nothing but the interpreters of gods"?

Correct option is C

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3).

In Plato's Ion, Socrates suggests that poets do not create poetry out of rational thought or deliberate intention. Instead, they are divinely inspired and possessed by a higher power when composing their works. The idea is that the poet is not acting consciously or deliberately, but is in a state of divine possession, during which they become vessels through which the gods express themselves.

In this context, Socrates argues that poets receive their inspiration from the gods and therefore are interpreters of divine messages rather than creators of poetry from their own intellect or experience. The poet's role is to channel the divine influence and express it through their words. This concept of divine possession and the mystical origin of poetry is central to the Socratic understanding of artistic creation, distinguishing it from more rational or intellectual pursuits.

Information Booster:

The Role of the Poet in Plato's Philosophy:

In Ion, Socrates makes it clear that poets are not in full control of their creativity.

They are inspired by the gods, and their poetry reflects divine truths.

Unlike philosophers, who use reason to find truth, poets are seen as mere instruments for expressing the gods' will, often without understanding what they are expressing.

Divine Possession vs. Rational Thought:

Socrates contrasts the philosophical approach to truth, based on logic and reason, with the poetic approach, which is based on inspiration and divine influence.

This marks a significant difference between the philosopher and the poet in Greek thought. Philosophers engage with truth using intellect, while poets are merely the channels through which divine inspiration flows.

Impact on Western Literature:

Socrates' views on poetry influenced later thinkers like Aristotle, who recognized the importance of inspiration in art but also emphasized the role of human skill and catharsis in tragedy.

Socrates' idea of poets as instruments of divine will can be seen as an early precursor to later Romantic ideas of the "genius" who is divinely inspired.

Plato's Views on Art:

In addition to the concept of divine possession, Plato also explores the limitations of poetry. He suggests that poets, being inspired by the gods, lack true understanding of what they express.

This critique of poetry as a form of imitation is part of Plato's broader skepticism of art, as it can only reflect reality and not the higher forms of truth.

The Concept of Mimesis (Imitation):

Socrates views poetry as a form of imitation (mimesis), where poets are simply imitating what the gods express.

This theory of imitation extends beyond poetry to all forms of art in Plato's philosophy, which he sees as an inferior copy of the true, ideal world.