In Plato's "Phaedrus," the dialogue between Thamus and Theuth explores the nature and consequences of writing. According to the account, Theuth, the Egyptian god of writing and knowledge, presents his invention of writing to Thamus, the king of Egypt. Theuth extols the virtues of writing, arguing that it will enhance memory and wisdom. However, Thamus expresses concerns about writing's impact on human beings.
Who Was Plato?
An ancient Greek philosopher, Plato was born in Athens around 428/427 BC and passed away in 348/347 BC. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of philosophy and his ideas have had a profound impact on Western civilization.
As a student of Socrates, Plato was deeply influenced by his teacher's Socratic method of questioning and pursuit of truth. After Socrates' death, Plato became disenchanted with Athenian democracy and traveled to expand his knowledge and engage with other philosophical traditions.
Upon his return to Athens, Plato founded the Academy, a renowned institution of higher learning. The Academy was a school and a center for intellectual discourse and research. It attracted scholars and students from far and wide, becoming a hub of philosophical activity.
Plato's philosophical contributions encompass many subjects, including metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, political theory, and aesthetics. His writings take the form of dialogues, in which Socrates often serves as the central character. Through these dialogues, Plato presents his ideas and explores fundamental questions about the nature of reality, the human condition, and the ideal society.
Plato's influence extends far beyond his own time and place. His ideas shaped the development of Western philosophy, serving as a foundation for subsequent philosophical schools and thinkers. His Academy produced many notable philosophers, including his most famous student, Aristotle.
Phaedrus
Plato's "Phaedrus" is a philosophical dialogue that explores themes such as love, rhetoric, knowledge, and the nature of the soul. The dialogue occurs between Socrates and his young disciple, Phaedrus, as they converse under a plane tree by the banks of the Ilissus River.
In the dialogue, Socrates and Phaedrus discuss the art of rhetoric and the nature of speeches. They examine the difference between true and false rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of genuine knowledge and understanding in persuasive discourse.
One of the critical moments in the dialogue involves the myth of Thamus and Theuth, where Theuth, the Egyptian god of writing and knowledge, presents his invention of writing to Thamus, the king of Egypt. Thamus expresses concerns about the impact of writing on human beings, suggesting that it may lead to forgetfulness and a reliance on external symbols rather than internal knowledge.
Plato's "Phaedrus" also delves into the nature of love, examining the concept of divine madness and the idea that love is a form of inspiration that can lead to spiritual and intellectual growth. The dialogue explores the relationship between love, beauty, and the soul, emphasizing the transformative power of love in one's pursuit of truth and wisdom.
Plato's "Phaedrus" continues to be studied and debated by scholars, philosophers, and literary enthusiasts for its insights into human nature, communication, and the pursuit of knowledge. I teach it myself in my Foundations of Literacy course at the University of Redlands. The dialogue's exploration of rhetoric, writing, and love offers valuable reflections on the nature of truth and the complexities of human existence.
Thamus
Thamus is the mythical figure in “Phaedrus”, the king of Egypt. He is mentioned during a conversation between Socrates and Phaedrus. Thamus plays a significant role in the dialogue as he responds to Theuth's presentation of the invention of writing.
Thamus's response to Theuth's invention highlights the potential drawbacks and limitations of writing as a means of communication and knowledge transmission. Through this exchange, Plato prompts reflection on the nature of rhetoric, the value of writing, and the potential effects of relying on externalized knowledge rather than cultivating genuine understanding.
It is important to note that Thamus is a fictional character within the dialogue, representing a perspective that raises concerns about the use of writing. The dialogue uses Thamus's response as a platform for exploring the complexities and implications of communication, rhetoric, and the role of writing in the pursuit of wisdom.
Theuth
Theuth is a mythical figure, too—the Egyptian god of writing, knowledge, and invention. He plays a significant role in the dialogue about the nature of writing and its impact on human beings.
In the dialogue, Socrates recounts a myth about the invention of writing by Theuth. According to the myth, Theuth presents his invention of writing to Thamus, the king of Egypt. Theuth describes writing as a tool that can enhance human memory and wisdom, enabling people to preserve knowledge and communicate more effectively.
However, Thamus expresses skepticism and raises concerns about the implications of writing. He argues that writing may lead to forgetfulness, as people rely on external symbols (written words) rather than internalized knowledge.
Thamus suggests that writing may create an illusion of wisdom rather than genuinely cultivating understanding and wisdom within individuals.
By incorporating this myth into the dialogue, Plato engages in a broader exploration of the nature of rhetoric, communication, and the role of writing in the pursuit of wisdom. The conversation between Socrates and Phaedrus invites reflection on the relationship between spoken and written words, the power of rhetoric, and the limitations of externalized knowledge.
The Argument Against Writing as a Tool
Externalization of knowledge: Thamus contends that writing externalizes knowledge, leading to a reliance on written texts rather than internalizing knowledge within the mind. This externalization weakens memory and critical thinking skills since people would no longer need to exert effort in remembering or reflecting on what they have learned.
Fixed and unresponsive: Thamus argues that written words are static and unresponsive compared to oral dialogue. Written texts cannot adapt to the specific needs or questions of individuals. In contrast, oral communication allows for immediate clarification, questioning, and adaptation to the audience.
Interpretation and context: Writing lacks contextual cues and nonverbal elements in oral communication, making it prone to misinterpretation. With the ability to engage in a back-and-forth dialogue, readers may understand the author's intent, leading to the distortion of ideas.
Forgetfulness and complacency: Thamus raises concerns that people will become forgetful with writing because they can rely on written records instead of actively engaging with and internalizing knowledge. This reliance can lead to complacency and a false sense of wisdom.
While the dialogue in "Phaedrus" presents Thamus' arguments against writing, it is essential to note that Plato himself employed writing extensively to convey his philosophical ideas. This suggests that Plato recognized the potential benefits of writing, even if he acknowledged its limitations.