This book takes a new look at the discussion of poetry in Platos early dialogues. It argues that Socrates did not believe poets to be divinely inspired; rather, his treatment of poetry must be approached from the point of view of two key Socratic concerns: the nature of desire, and the distinction between techne (science) and empeiria (a knack). Both point to a radical stance on the nature of psychological states. Socrates argues that all desire leading to action is for our own good, so when we act in error about our good, we do not desire to do what we do. Thus, we dont know what we desire...