Why Plato Chose to Write Dialogues About Socrates
Introduction
One of the most intriguing aspects of the works of Plato is his decision to write dialogues centered around the character of Socrates. Contrary to popular belief, Plato himself was not merely documenting the thoughts and actions of his mentor but was carefully crafting a narrative that served a specific purpose. This decision reflects not only Plato's understanding of the importance of the Socratic Method but also his strategic approach to addressing the political and philosophical climate of his time.
The Nature of Plato's Dialogues
Plato's dialogues are not simply a record of conversations but are instead constructed to delve deeply into philosophical questions. The Greek term dialegesthai means 'to converse' or 'to question,' highlighting the foundational aspect of dialogue in Platonic philosophy. Plato uses this method to explore complex ideas and to engage his audience in a way that promotes critical thinking and personal reflection.
Why Socrates?
1. Historical Context: It’s essential to understand the historical context surrounding Socrates and his trial. According to Plato, in the Phaedo and the Apology, Socrates was put to death for his teachings. This narrative paints Socrates as a martyr for the truth, which provides a powerful thematic background for Plato's dialogues.
The Apology and Self-Protection
2. Political Safety: In the Apology, Plato presents a defense of Socrates that can be seen as a form of self-protection. By framing the arguments through the character of Socrates, Plato is able to avoid direct confrontation with the Athenian authorities. This stratagem is a brilliant political maneuver, leveraging the contrast between Socrates' perceived victimhood and the narrator's (Plato’s) emergence as a champion of Socratic philosophy.
Historical evidence suggests that rulers throughout history have often silenced those who disagreed with their regimes. Plato, being an educated and well-connected philosopher, likely understood the risks involved in advocating for controversial ideas. By attributing potentially controversial ideas to a fictionalized character, Plato ensured that his works would not be immediately censored or dismissed.
The Fictional Nature of Socrates
3. Fictional Character: As the Bible’s portrayal of Jesus is largely a mosaic of different narratives and cultural influences, Socrates in Plato’s dialogues is also a fictional character. The Socrates presented in Plato’s works is a composite of various philosophical discussions and ideals, rather than a verbatim representation of a historical figure. This narrative flexibility allows Plato to explore a wide range of philosophical concepts without being constrained by historical accuracy.
The fictional nature of Socrates also serves to distance Plato from direct association with any of Socrates' controversial ideas. This distance provides an additional layer of protection and allows Plato to present complex philosophical inquiries in an engaging and accessible manner.
The Impact on Philosophy
4. The Socratic Method: Plato’s dialogues are among the earliest and most influential uses of the Socratic Method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to either arrive at an answer or explore a topic in more depth. This method promotes critical thinking, clarifies concepts, and exposes contradictions. By employing this method, Plato not only teaches but also inspires his readers to engage in philosophical inquiry.
The Phaedo and Final Teachings
In the Phaedo, for example, Socrates discusses the immortality of the soul with his friends, providing a philosophical exploration of life and death. The dialogues transcend mere historical recitation and become a profound treatise on the nature of existence. This is why the Socratic dialogues remain relevant to this day, not just as historical documents but as influential philosophical works.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Plato’s decision to write dialogues about Socrates was a strategic response to the political and philosophical climate of his time. By using the Socratic persona, Plato was able to explore complex ideas, protect himself from censorship, and inspire generations of philosophers. The fictional nature of Socrates and the use of the Socratic Method not only made his works enduring but also ensured their continued relevance in the modern world.