Why Plato Lost Interest in the Socratic Method

The book explores the evolution of the Socratic method in Plato's dialogues, highlighting a shift from the early focus on questioning and refutation to a more assertive presentation of philosophical ideas in the middle and late works. Matthews challenges the traditional view that this change reflects a mere commemoration of Socrates, instead revealing Plato's growing dissatisfaction with the elenchus and his reasons for moving beyond it. This analysis offers insight into Plato's philosophical development and the limitations he perceived in Socratic questioning.