The political philosophy of Xenophon’s Memorabilia

This thesis offers a new approach to understanding the philosophical plan and defensive strategy of Xenophon’s Memorabilia. Where in the past the text’s multidialogic structure has been interpreted in terms of repetition or inconsistency, I argue that it can be re–appraised in terms of intratextuality. The structure generates a rich network of intratextual allusions which formulate and reformulate philosophical problems across dialogues set in different socio–political contexts. A problem is not solved in a single dialogue; the arguments, imageries and vocabulary explored in one dialogue are re–opened, complicated and refined in diverse dramatic settings. Taking Socrates’ trial and execution as the point of departure, I argue, Memorabilia examines the relationship between theoretical stances and material reality. Opening with the desire to understand the real reasons why Athens put Socrates to death, the alleged charges being clearly insufficient, Memorabilia investigates further points of disjuncture between ideological values and practical realities running through the whole breadth of Athenian political life. Xenophon uses the character of Socrates—his life and his method—as an analytical tool to examine and critique the values and beliefs underpinning Athenian life. In doing so, Xenophon not only offers his alternative visions of these Athenian values, but explains why Athens was unable to tolerate his teacher. I offer four close–readings of four groups of closely interconnected dialogues. Each group, I argue, constructs a set of philosophical problems and responses. Chapter 1 ‘Freedom and power’ looks at Xenophon’s dialogues on the dynamics of power in political relationships; Chapter 2 ‘Friendship, beauty and virtue’ at Xenophon’s theorisation of the ethical processes involved in these relationships; Chapter 3 ‘Knowledge and persuasion in politics’ at his explorations of political expertise; Chapter 4 ‘Law and justice’ at his conceptualisation of the law as an account of justice. In one form or another, I find, Xenophon offers Socrates’ dialectical method as the answer to the problems he identifies in Athenian political life.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Cambridge

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Kipps, Florence Mary

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Osborne, Robin

• Athens
• classical
• dialectic
• dialogue
• philosophy
• political
• skill
• Socrates
• Socratic
• Xenophon

Licence

• https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/

Language dc:language

eng

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.86971

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.repository.cam.ac.uk:1810/339553