1. What fault does Socrates find with Ion's art?
Socrates thinks Ion's art is not really an art at all. I agree with Socrates. To know and understand an art, you must be fully versed in that art not just specific poets. Near the beginning of Ion, Socrates asserts Ion speaks of "Homer without any art of knowledge. If you were able to speak of him by rules of art, you would have been able to speak of all other poets; for poetry is a whole". To completely understand an art and be an expert of that art, it is absolutely essential that all aspects of that art are known and understood whether high or low. For Socrates, rhapsodes were wise men who recited only portions of others poetry to gain fame and financial security. Wise men seek such professions while common men (like Socrates) seek the Truth.
Next, Socrates gives numerous examples of how experts must understand all of an art such as painters, sculptors, and musicians. For example, a great sculptor would know how to sculpt more than just one piece to be considered an expert of the art. I agree with Socrates. You cannot know only bits of an art if you are a supposed expert. In fact, Socrates calls Ion's art an "inspiration" that he simply utters for notoriety while a true poet sings from the "power divine". He goes on state that if Ion "had been taught by the rules of art, he would have known how to speak of all themes of the art". Socrates goes on to ask Ion if he is an interpreter of interpreters and he agrees to that title.
In fact, Ion admits to his deceptive behavior. He says that when the "audience cries I shall laugh and when they laugh I shall cry while taking their money". This becomes a clear indicator of the fault which Socrates sees in Ion's art. Rather than being an art it is much akin to Sophistry. They know just enough to entice, entertain and persuade their followers to continue to support their art. At the end, Ion agrees with Socrates that his art is actually not an art at all but rather a "Homeric inspiration" or infactuation.
Boal & Enacting Social Change
13 years ago
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ReplyDeleteI like the fact that Socrates indicated that experts must understand all of an art to be an expert in art. Unfortunatly the idea of an expert today is different. Popular artists and musicans are always the most money making, popular people. A singer can come out with one good song and she or he is immediatly considered to be the singer of the year.
ReplyDeleteI do not necessarily agree with Socrates or Ion in regards to expertise in understanding art. In my opinion it would not be possible to be proficient in all aspects of an artistic field. I believe an expert in a field may not know about all aspects, but continues to seek knowledge and understanding in order to gain proficiency. Socrates seems to be an elitist, because he contends that only the intelligent and privileged can understand art and therefore have access to its powers. I believe that art is intended for the masses, not for a select few.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Socrates was being critical with Ion's art because he was reciting portions of other's poetry, such as Homer's work. However, this was actually an art to Ion. Ion may not have truth to his art because he was gaining fame and recognition from others, but the masses enjoyed listening to Homers poetry. In today's world artists are feeding off one another's talents, skills, and knowledge in order to gain recognition and power. I believe Socrates was being a little too critical, but Sacrates aim was more traditional, truthful, and didn't like any faults to art.
ReplyDeleteI am very puzzled by your comment of "To know and understand an art, you must be fully versed in that art not just specific poets." What then is your definition of art, and how is this definition supported/refuted by Socrates? Say for example an artist who paints Impressionist paintings, yet is not trained in pointillism, surrealism, etc., is this to say they also do not understand the art?
ReplyDeleteAlso, what do you think is the intellect of the audience if they continued to support this art, such as with your comment In fact, Ion admits to his deceptive behavior. He says that when the "audience cries I shall laugh and when they laugh I shall cry while taking their money?"
Good job of clearly articulating a position and supporting it with examples. I think you can see from the responses above that you've succeeded in creating an essay that prompts a thoughtful response from your readers.
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