Plato on knowledge vs inspiration

“SOCRATES: And when you make a judgement about military matters, do you judge in virtue of your skill in generalship, or in virtue of the skill that makes you a good rhapsode?ION: There’s no difference, so far as I can see.SOCRATES: No difference? How on earth can you say that? Are you saying that the skill of a rhapsode and the skill of a general are one skill, or two?ION: One, I think.SOCRATES: So, anyone who’s a good rhapsode is in fact a good general too?ION: Certainly, Socrates. …SOCRATES: Now then, are you, as a rhapsode, the best among the Greeks?ION: By a long chalk, Socrates.SOCRATES: So, as a general too, are you the best among the Greeks?ION: Have no doubt of it, Socrates; that too I learnt from the works of Homer.” (Plato, Ion, 540e-541b)Figs in Winter: New Stoicism and beyond is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit figsinwinter.substack.com/subscribe