3. Plato’s Socrates

‘Plato’s Socrates’ considers the portrayal of Socrates’ doctrines and methods of argument in twelve dialogues plus Apology. It shows that Socrates is predominantly characterized, not as a teacher, but as an enquirer. He disclaims wisdom and seeks, normally in vain, elucidation of problematic questions from his interlocutors, by the method of elenchus. All the dialogues are concerned with ethics in the broad sense of how one should live. Many focus on the attempt to define a virtue or other ethically significant concept. The discussion invariably ends in failure. Others take the form of a confrontation between Socrates and various sophists and/or their pupils and associates over the aims of education.