Ion

Examine the mysterious source of artistic inspiration in this short but significant dialogue where Socrates questions a celebrated rhapsode about his craft. The discussion probes whether the poet's ability comes from technical knowledge and skill or from a form of divine madness that bypasses rational thought. Plato suggests that artists are merely vessels for the gods, lacking true understanding of the subjects they perform. It is a compelling exploration of the ancient quarrel between poetry and philosophy, questioning the authority of creative genius.