September 5th Homework

1. The issue in this dialogue is one of a philosophical nature: What is the true meaning of beauty?
2. Atreus is considered the "expert" in this area and initially states that beauty is anything that is appealing to the eyes. Socrates refutes this with the example of beautiful music, extending the definition to include things appealing to the eyes and ears. However, this definition is also incomplete, as Socrates questions intangible beauty, like having a beautiful moral character. As the dialogue continues, Socrates poses the question of whether beauty can be found in both good and bad to which initially Atreus says no because all that is beautiful is good. Socrates makes him contradict himself when presenting the idea of a beautiful yet immoral play, allowing for an infinitely expanding definition of beauty. 
3. The author fairly summarizes each counter argument while maintaining an openness to consider the issue from all sides. The author often concedes an argument but then refutes it with a question (i.e. "But have you thought of this..."). For the most part the author is seemingly conceding but always rebutting an argument and presenting evidence to contradict it.