This study argues that Plato takes the Greek literary tradition as a key locus of ideas with respect to linguistic issues in the "Cratylus", "Phaedo", and "The Republic".

In this study, Susan Levin argues that Plato takes the Greek literary tradition as a key locus of ideas with respect to linguistic issues in the Cratylus, Phaedo, and Republic. This evidence regarding his philosophy of language, conjoined with a new interpretation of the Republic's familiar critique of poets, supports the view that, far from functioning merely as a target for those seeking ways in which philosophy might benefit from appeals to literature, Plato's work represents a valuable precedent for inquiry in this area.

The idea behind Levin's book is a welcome addition to a growing trend in Platonic studies of taking seriously Plato's philosophical affair with language and literature.