Why Plato Lost Interest in the Socratic Method

Focusing on the evolution of philosophical dialogue, Matthews explores how Socrates' questioning method, prevalent in early Platonic dialogues, shifts in the middle dialogues as Socrates starts to offer answers. The study reveals that this transition reflects Plato's growing dissatisfaction with the Socratic method, leading him to develop his own philosophical ideas in later works. By examining the reasons behind this shift, Matthews provides new insights into Plato's intellectual journey and the limitations he perceived in Socratic questioning.