Preface To Plato by Eric Alfred Havelock
The Necessity of Literacy
In this insightful exploration of ancient Greek culture, the author delves into the transition from oral to written traditions, examining how this shift influenced the way knowledge was transmitted and perceived. The work focuses on the role of poetry, particularly the epics of Homer, in preserving cultural memory and shaping societal values before the advent of literacy. The analysis highlights the tension between the oral tradition's reliance on mnemonic devices and the emerging preference for written records, as exemplified by Plato's critique of poetry. This study offers a profound understanding of the cultural and intellectual transformations that laid the groundwork for Western philosophy and education.
- Published
- 1963
- Nationality
- British
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 328-352
- Original Language
- English
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- Alternate Titles
- None
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