The Problem of Literary Truth in Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Poetics

In contemporary literary theory, Plato is often cited as the original repudiator of truth, and Aristotle he who set down that literature “imitation,” thus himself involuntarily banning from truth. This essay argues these interpretations adulterate arguments Aristotle, both believed in We—literary theorists philosophers literature—should recognize this rethink our interpretation ancient texts. will, turn, lead us to ask better questions about nature truth value.