Myth and philosophy in platonic dialogues

This book rethinks Plato's creation and use of mythby drawing on theories and methods from myth studies, religious studies,literary theory and related fields. Individual myths function differentlydepending on cultural practice, religious context or literary tradition, and this interdisciplinary study merges new perspectives in Plato studies withrecent scholarship and theories pertaining to myth. Significant overlaps exist betweenprominent modern theories of myth and attitudes and approaches in studies ofPlato's myths. Considering recent developments in myth studies, this book asks newquestions about the evaluation of myth in Plato. Its appreciation of the historical conditions shaping and directing the studyof Plato's myths opens deeper philosophical questions about the relationshipbetween philosophy and myth and the relevance of myth studies to philosophicaldebates. It also extends the discussion to address philosophical questions andperspectives on the distinction between argument and narrative.