Translating Mûthos into Lógos in Platonic Literature

Abstract

Throughout the history of philosophy, the beginning of philosophy was represented as the transition from mûthos to lógos. In this context, Plato is considered as the philosopher who puts rationality literally in to the center of philosophy. In his many dialogues he accepts mûthos lower than lógos so as to bring lógos, reason into the forefront. And yet again it is seen that Plato refers to mûthos in many of his dialogues in order to expand his arguments. He uses mûthos sometimes as a tool of persuasion, sometimes as an ethical reference. This article will focuses on the function of mûthos rather than why Plato refers to or needs mûthos?