The Concept of True Rhetoric in the Phaedrus (259e1-266c9)

Karel Císař

This article is concerned with the notion of true rhetoric as it is developed in the Phaedrus of Plato. By means of a close reading, which combines elements of both analytic and dramatic approaches to Phdr. 259e1–266c9, the author seeks to present true rhetoric as Plato’s positive philosophical program. This program should bring together cosmology and dialectics as the theoretical inspiration on the one hand and politics as its practical execution on the other.