[Usyd_Classics_Events] CAH Research Seminar #4, April 28, James Clay

[Ben Brown]

Dear Friends,

Our Classics and Ancient History/CCANESA online research seminar series continues on Thursday, the April 28th (4pm, AEST UTC/GMT +10) with

James Clay (University of Sydney)

"'I’m too old for this...' Philosophy: Contemplation and Political Participation for Young and Old in Plato."

Abstract:
Socrates’ attempts to secure Theodorus’ participation in the elenchus serve as an important dramatic complement to the main epistemological discussion of the first half of the Theaetetus. Socrates maintains that without Theodorus’ participation the dialogue cannot be considered serious, while Theodorus refuses to speak citing his age (Pl. Theaet. 146b, 161a, 164e). It is generally accepted that the digression (172c-177d), which Theodorus introduces and permits by declaring “we have leisure (σχολὴν ἄγομεν),” serves as a marker of both Socrates’ success in convincing Theodorus to participate in the dialogue, and a further effort to appeal to him, as the subject of the good life is more agreeable to him than abstract epistemology (Rue (1993) 92-98, Larsen (2019) 21). In this paper I will seek to problematise both claims.

I argue that Socrates’ compulsion of Theodorus to speak subjugates the importance of freedom and leisure to philosophical inquiry. Theodorus’ likening of Socrates to the mythological murderers Sciron and Antaeus, as he reluctantly joins the conversation, reveals that he resents this compulsion and complicates his statement of their apparent leisure (169a-b). Meanwhile, Socrates seems to agree with this assertion, declaring “we appear to be [at leisure] (φαινόμεθα (172c))”. This agreement, however, must also be ironic as the dialogue ends with Socrates’ announcement that he must leave to answer Meletus’ charge against him (Pl. Theat. 210d).  I argue that the illusion of leisure in the first half of the dialogue complicates the supposed freedom of the philosopher of the digression and propose that Plato’s distortion of the historical Thales suggests the idea that practical constraints upon one’s leisure can be philosophically productive.

Presenter biography:
James is a current MPhil student at the University of Sydney working with Professor Rick Benitez and Dr. James Collins II. This paper will form part of a chapter in his thesis that will explore Plato’s views on the conduct of the philosopher in an imperfect city.

Please register for this free online presentation (if you have not already registered for the series):
https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/HjF2CNLJyQUNVPNNltmwLBW?domain=signup.e2ma.net<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/pvQaCOMKzVTA5ZAARTvW5nD?domain=t.e2ma.net>

The Zoom meeting details for this seminar are:
https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/s/89969844581<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/TZX9CP7LAXf4vN44GF1JdxE?domain=t.e2ma.net>
Meeting ID: 899 6984 4581

Please note, our seminars begin promptly at 4 pm. To assist in facilitating the online space, please ensure that your Zoom username matches the name on your registration (where possible).

Please note further that by participating in this seminar, you agree to abide by the University of Sydney’s ICT policy. You can view the policy here: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/h73fCQnMBZf6Bl66Ask0hcM?domain=sydney.edu.au<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/CIEeCROND2urn0rrmhqoGSH?domain=t.e2ma.net>

This seminar will not be recorded.

We look forward to seeing you as our program continues!
For any further information or questions, please contact us at ccanesa.general at sydney.edu.au<mailto:ccanesa.general at sydney.edu.au>

all very best for the long weekend, Ben


DR BEN BROWN | Classics and Ancient History | School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry (SOPHI)
School Undergraduate Curriculum Coordinator (SOPHI)
School BAS Coordinator (SOPHI)
Research Seminar Coordinator (CAH)
Co-director Critical Antiquities Network
THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY NSW 2006
Ph.: 9351 8983; Office: Main Quad J6.07
E benjamin.brown at sydney.edu.au<mailto:benjamin.brown at sydney.edu.au> | W https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/2sahCVARKgCl0kllwHk34ai?domain=sydney.edu.au

Erst kommt das Fressen, dann kommt die Moral
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