But this answer does not satisfy Socrates, who gives examples of other professionals who can judge both the good and the bad of their art, such as mathematicians, doctors, painters, sculptors, and musicians. Ion claims it is because Homer is the best poet. Socrates asks why Ion can interpret only Homer. Ion says that if the poets disagree the best person to interpret them would be an expert on the subject they disagree about. When Socrates asks if Ion could interpret Homer and Hesiod equally well if they disagree, Ion says he cannot. Socrates wonders why and asks Ion whether he could interpret Homer and Hesiod equally well if the poets agreed on a certain topic. When Ion speaks of his ability to interpret Homer, Socrates inquires whether he can interpret other poets as well. He says that both are necessary to recite a poem properly. Socrates distinguishes between memorizing a poem and understanding its meaning. Ion agrees that the profession of a rhapsode is enjoyable and claims no one can recite the poetry of Homer as well as he can.
As a rhapsode, Ion wears fine clothes, looks beautiful, and spends his days learning and reciting poetry with other rhapsodes and poets (938). Socrates expresses his envy of Ion’s profession. At the festival, Ion participated in contests to determine who was the greatest rhapsode (a type of poet, actor, singer, and performer). Ion of Ephesus arrives in Athens from Epidaurus, where he has just attended the festival of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.
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