Alcibiades I

Description

Alcibiades was a notable figure in Ancient Greek history. Famed Athenian statesman, orator and general, he had a powerful impact on the political and military scene in Athens and Sparta, despite his difficult and tumultuous youth. Alcibiades was well-trained in the art of Rhetoric, and among his many renowned teachers was also Socrates, the philosopher who taught Plato and had set the foundation of western philosophy as we know it today.

Alcibiades I is Plato’s written dialogue featuring Socrates and Alcibiades’ discussions on many of life’s most essential topics. In the beginning of the text we learn that Alcibiades is a strong willed, ambitious and handsome young man who wishes to join the social scene. Aided by Socrates, he learns much about topics such as war, justice, art, music or ruling over people. His most valuable lessons, however, are presented through Socrates’ questions and arguments regarding self-knowledge and its crucial importance for the purpose of self-development, success and enriching one’s soul through knowledge and goodness.

It is worth mentioning that there is also a part II of the Alcibiades dialogue which, however, is considered highly controversial due to its questionable authenticity. Experts argue that it lacks the humor, insightful arguments and distinctive, elegant style that Plato employed when writing Alcibiades I.

Plato (ΠΛΆΤΩΝ), born c. 428 BC, was founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning ever built in the western world. According to many scholars, he is the single most important name in the history of western philosophy, having contributed more to its foundation and early development than any other ancient or modern philosopher.


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