SCS-50: Meeting of the Society for Ancient Greek Philosophy

Given Plato’s interest in philosopher-kings in the Republic, one could think that the Laws includes some sort of “philosophical virtue”—understood as the characteristic of a virtuous leader. But as prominent as Plato’s interest is in the role of philosophy in the Republic, we cannot take for granted that we should look for the Laws’ stance on this issue. After all, φιλοσοφία is not mentioned once in the Laws.

In the Republic’s Allegory of the Cave, Socrates describes people raised in an underground dwelling (514a-515c), shackled so that they cannot turn around or move, and forced to view the shadows of artifacts cast by a firelight behind them, with the result that “such people would think that nothing else is the truth than the shadows of the artifacts” (515c1-2). Yet, a single prisoner escapes and discovers the ordered world outside (514c-516d).

In the Apology, Socrates declares three times to the jury that he does not take payment for his activities. In all of these cases, he clearly means he does not receive any money. Understanding his reasons for refusing monetary payment will help explain what Socrates seems to think are acceptable returns to him: that he should be fed in the Prytaneum (36d) and that his friends may pay a fine of thirty minas (38b) on his behalf. One wonders if, strictly speaking, all these claims are coherent: how does being provided meals at public expense not qualify as payment?