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Pythagorean Socrates in Aristophanes’ Clouds

  • Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University
  • 2024, 81(1), pp.245-272
  • DOI : 10.17326/jhsnu.81.1.202402.245
  • Publisher : Institute of Humanities, Seoul National University
  • Research Area : Humanities > Other Humanities
  • Received : January 15, 2024
  • Accepted : February 6, 2024
  • Published : February 28, 2024

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1서울대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

I argue that Pythagorikos Sôkratês is a significant image in constructing Socrates in Aristophanes’ Clouds. My aim in this paper is to investigate on how Socrates is portrayed in the fictional world by Aristophanes, and what the playwright intended through such a depiction. When we pay particular attention to the Pythagorean aspects, we can understand more sufficiently the complex image of the dramatic character depicted in the play. The φροντιστήριον (Phrontistêrion, Thinkery) of Socrates has notable characteristics that allude to Pythagoreanism, which include: a substantialized school in which the members dwell together, the exclusive attitude towards outsiders, the prohibition of spreading secrets out of the community, the coexistence of passion for natural science alongside the practice of a secret ritual, their use of terminologies, and a charismatic leader followed by his disciples.

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