Plato’s Philosophy: Finding Inspiration in “Drunkenness”

Discover how Plato used the metaphor of drunkenness to explain the power of philosophical insight and its benefits for society.

In Part A of this discussion, we explored Plato’s deliberate use of the metaphor of drunkenness, particularly in dialogues like the Symposium and Phaedrus. This wasn’t an endorsement of inebriation, but a carefully crafted analogy intended to legitimize Socrates’ philosophical inspiration and its positive impact on civic life. Plato drew upon the descriptions of ecstatic experiences found in Euripides’ plays, specifically The Bacchae, and the political wisdom of Solon. Euripides vividly portrayed a genuine Bacchic experience distinct from mere intoxication, while Solon’s poetry linked controlled revelry to a well-ordered city and the cultivation of sōphrosynē – a balanced virtue.

Plato masterfully differentiated between the chaotic behavior of figures like Alcibiades (as depicted in the Symposium) and the passionate, yet purposeful, fervor of a philosopher pursuing truth. He consistently employed words signifying “like” or “resembling” to highlight the metaphorical nature of Socratic “baccheia,” firmly grounding them in fiction while acknowledging their powerful resonance. This tactic was also evident in the Phaedrus, where Socrates used the imagery of erotic mania to represent the ardent pursuit of philosophical understanding.

The recurrence of this metaphor in Plato’s later work, the Laws, further underscores its significance. This final dialogue revisited the theme, suggesting a consistent engagement with the idea of intellectual enthusiasm as a transformative, almost intoxicating, force. Plato’s skillful deployment of this analogy allows us to understand his defense of Socrates’ unique approach to philosophy – one that was both deeply personal and profoundly beneficial to the polis.

Understanding Plato’s use of this metaphor provides valuable insight into his broader political and philosophical aims. It illustrates his belief in the power of passionate inquiry to inspire and elevate, while also emphasizing the importance of reason and virtue in channeling that passion for the common good.

Want to delve deeper into this topic? Read Part A of this article here.

What are your thoughts on Plato’s use of metaphor? Share your perspective in the comments below!

By Eva Anagnostou-Laoutides, Associate Professor at Macquarie University and Australian Research Council Future Fellow. Her research focuses on the interplay of myth, religion, and politics in ancient Greece and the reception of Greek philosophy in early Christianity. She is currently working on a book about the history of inebriation.