Platonic traces in the relation of philosophy and myth: Hegel's and Derrida's interpretations of Plato

While Hegel claims that philosophical thought should be purged of mythical elements Derrida objects to the idea of philosophy as a purely logocentric endeavour. Thus, their ideas of what philosophy is or should be determine their interpretations of Plato which are opposing and contradictory. On one hand Hegel finds Plato's philosophy to be flawed on account of it's use of myths while on the other hand Derrida thinks that Plato is responsible for the beginning of a logocentric philosophical tradition. The reason of this discrepancy becomes clear when we consider that Plato in the opposition of myth and logos, devalues the former and keeps the latter in high esteem while his philosophy is animated by myths. Therefore, in order to judge among the contradictory interpretations of Hegel and Derrida requires answering the question of why Plato used myths in his philosophical texts. This study aims to find an answer to this question, and in light of this answer to determine which of the two interpretations are more faithful to Plato. Finally, taking into account the unique, distinct and common characteristics of mythos and logos the disputed relation of philosophy and myth will be re-evaluated.