Socrates in “Phaedrus” by Plato Essay

A rubric is often a product of examined processes. When making a rubric, experts and other sources of knowledge are harnessed to make a standardized system. In “Phaedrus,” Socrates is arguing with Phaedrus about the nature of a speech that was delivered by Lysias. The argument between Socrates and Phaedrus takes place in the countryside under a shade that shelters the two contemporaries from a heatwave. Phaedrus is representing Lysias’ side in an argument about lovers and non-lovers.

Socrates aims to counter Lysias’ arguments by offering a speech on the same subject but from a different perspective. In the end, Socrates gives yet another speech on the same subject. In Phaedrus, Socrates’ argument is mainly centered on the dangers of written texts. According to Socrates, writing arguments eliminates the chance of actively questioning the motives of writers.

In addition, Socrates claims that, in most instances, the reader can misjudge the intentions of the writer. This essay evaluates the arguments in “Phaedrus” and identifies how Socrates uses the rubric to discredit the arguments in Lysias’ speech.

Rubrics feature prominently in various aspects of modern learning. The main reasoning behind a rubric is to express the basic criteria for a certain outcome depending on levels of progress. In “Phaedrus,” Socrates uses the rubric as the basis of his speech. In the first instance, Phaedrus expects Socrates to give a speech that aligns with Lysias’ arguments. Consequently, Socrates’ arguments would be using Lysias’ views about lovers as a rubric.

Nevertheless, Socrates surprises Phaedrus by abstaining from discussions about the benefits of the non-lover. Instead, Socrates’ argument takes on a different tangent. The main reasoning behind Socrates’ arguments is that Lysias’ written speech was intended to appease a certain style of debates. Socrates is of the view that a solid argument should not concern itself with writing styles but is should forward concrete and debatable claims. This claim is the premise of the rubric that Socrates uses as the basis of his argument with Phaedrus.

Rubrics are mostly intended for a particular audience, and they address specific objectives. According to Socrates, the speech by Lysias’ is intended to please individuals such as Phaedrus. Phaedrus is delighted with Lysias’ speech not because of its claims but because of its style of presentation.

Consequently, Phaedrus heard the speech in its entirety, but he also carried a written copy. According to Socrates, a great soul has the ability to transcend beyond the basic ‘rubrics’ that govern the world. Consequently, great arguments are not governed by the needs of their listeners but by their own sense of purpose.

Socrates’ rubric is visible in his arguments about the various types of divine madness. According to Socrates, love is both a cause and a product of the four types of divine madness. Therefore, the goodness of the soul can only be evaluated in accordance with self-control and its ability to recognize true knowledge. The philosopher is of the view that this is the rubric that should be used to examine a person and his/her subsequent thoughts.

According to Socrates, Rubric goes deeper than the need to please readers and audiences. Socrates succeeds in showing that rubric is an element that goes beyond the stylistic content in papers. Furthermore, Socrates argues that the rubric should be approached from a natural perspective and not a generic one. Overall, Socrates is of the view that the rubric should be internal and not external.