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Preface to Plato

Eric A. Havelock’s Preface to Plato, originally published in 1963, examines the profound shift in Greek culture and thought that accompanied the transition from oral poetic tradition to literacy. Havelock argues that Plato’s philosophy is not a departure from, but rather a reaction to, the preceding oral ‘Homeric’ worldview. He proposes that the structures of Plato’s dialogues are deliberately designed to mimic and then supersede the methods of oral poetic discourse.

Historical / Cultural Context

Havelock’s work emerged within the context of the ‘oral-formulaic’ theory advanced by Milman Parry and Albert Lord regarding Homeric epic. This theory demonstrated that Homeric poems were not the product of a single author, but rather were composed using a system of inherited formulas and epithets, suitable for oral performance. Havelock extends this thinking to argue that the very way the ancient Greeks thought was shaped by the demands of oral communication – a reliance on vivid imagery, repetitive structures, and a focus on the immediately memorable. The rise of writing, he contends, fundamentally altered cognitive processes, leading to a more abstract and analytical mode of thought that Plato attempts to address and refine. The book represents a significant contribution to the understanding of the relationship between media, technology, and cognition in ancient Greece. It challenged traditional interpretations of Plato as solely a metaphysical thinker, instead positioning him as a cultural strategist responding to a changing world.

Who This Book Is For

This work is primarily aimed at those with an academic interest in classical studies, philosophy, and the history of rhetoric. However, its exploration of the cognitive effects of media and the shift from oral to literate culture also appeals to readers interested in cultural history, communication theory, and the psychology of belief. The book requires some familiarity with Plato’s works and the context of ancient Greek society, but Havelock writes with clarity and aims to make his arguments accessible to a broad scholarly audience.

Further Reading

• Milman Parry, The Making of Homeric Verse: The foundational text of oral-formulaic theory.
• Albert Lord, The Singer of Tales: A detailed examination of oral epic performance in the Slavic tradition, providing further insight into the techniques and characteristics of oral poetry.
• Walter J. Ong, Orality and Literacy: A comprehensive study of the psychological and cultural consequences of the shift from oral to written culture, building upon Havelock’s ideas.

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