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Single Idea 20455

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / C. History of Philosophy / 2. Ancient Philosophy / b. Pre-Socratic philosophy]

Full Idea

The pre-Socratics are interesting, but philosophy really begins in drama; it's a competitive discourse to tragedy. Which is why Plato's 'Republic' excludes the poets: they're the competition; gotta get rid of them.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy really got started as the rival mode of discourse to tragedy

Source

Simon Critchley (Impossible Objects: interviews [2012], 6)

A Reaction

That's an interesting and novel perspective. So what was the 'discourse' of tragedy saying, and why did that provoke the new rival? Was it too fatalistic?

Book Reference

Critchley,Simon: 'Impossible Objects: interviews' [Politty 2012], p.110