Theognis on Breeding and Learning: Why Socrates Should Have Quoted His Verses in Plato’s Meno

Abstract

This article reconsiders the significance of Theognis’ verses quoted in Plato’s Meno by examining the proposed dilemma in the Theognidea. Firstly, the structure of the dialogue, location of verses, and the dilemma itself are briefly discussed. The article then analyses Theognis’ ‘eugenic’ and ‘didactic’ positions, and suggests that there is no contradiction in the verses from the Theognidea quoted in the Meno, and that Plato was aware of this. The article finally concludes that the pictures of Socrates in Meno and Theognis in the Theognidea are alike in four important aspects: both are sôphrôn, both are personal exponents of dikê by virtue of their life, both are moral heroes striving for the improvement of others, and the result of their efforts has a tragic undertone. By drawing attention to tensions within the Theognidea, Plato may also draw readers’ attention to parallels between Theognis and Socrates as teachers.

The Social, Therapeutic and Didactic Dimension of Shame in Seneca’s Thinking

“…The first, non-philosophical meaning, connects to an older tradition of shame's social function, which plays a crucial role as a regulating principle for interpersonal relationships in ancient society. The second, therapeutic and didactic meaning of shame is 1 See, e.g., Cepko 2023;Porubjak 2023;Wollner 2023. 2 The term verecundia appears in Seneca's philosophical writings (with the exception of the author's tragedies and the work Apocolocyntosis) altogether twenty-nine times, while the term pudor is used thirty-nine times.…”