Who among the following refutes Plato's charge that poets are liars, by arguing that the poet "nothing affirms, and therefore never lieth"?

Correct option is B

Explanation:
The philosopher Plato once accused poets of being liars in his work "The Republic" because they present their works as truths, even though they are not. He argued that poets create illusions and do not provide knowledge or moral guidance. In response to this, Philip Sidney defends poetry in his famous work, "The Defence of Poesy", by challenging Plato's accusation. Sidney argues that poetry does not directly affirm anything as truth but rather creates "fiction" that can instruct and entertain. According to Sidney, since poets do not claim that their imaginative works are literal truth, they cannot be considered liars. Poetry, for Sidney, serves a higher purpose of teaching moral lessons and delighting the reader with its beauty.

Information Booster:
Philip Sidney (1554–1586) was a leading figure of the English Renaissance and a prominent poet, courtier, and soldier. His "The Defence of Poesy" (1595) is one of the first critical works that ardently defends the poet's art and the value of poetry in society, asserting that poetry transcends mere imitation and has the power to teach, move, and morally guide individuals.
The Defence of Poesy: Sidney's work is a passionate defense of poetry, arguing that it is a noble and valuable form of literature. He defends the poet's role as a truth-teller who does not lie but creates fiction that helps to understand and convey truth in an imaginative form. Sidney's critique of Plato's idea of poetry as mere falsification is one of the most influential in the history of literary criticism.
Poetry’s Function: Sidney emphasizes that poetry does not claim to assert truths like history or philosophy but works by "delighting" and "teaching." In his view, it can capture the essence of universal truths in an accessible and engaging manner.

Additional Knowledge:
John Dryden was an important poet and playwright of the Restoration period.
George Puttenham was a writer of the Elizabethan period, best known for his work "The Art of English Poesy" (1589), which explored the theory of poetry and its forms.
Richard Hooker was an English theologian and philosopher known for his work "Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity". He contributed to discussions about law and religion.