Why Socrates was not a Farmer: Xenophon’s Oeconomicus as a Philosophical Dialogue

Plato and Xenophon

“…Although Socrates' take on wealth as subjective and relative seriously affects the function (ἔργον, ergon) of oikonomia, Critoboulus refuses to see its implications and perseveres in his quest of knowledge that can help him increase his estate. I follow Danzig (2003;rev. 2010) in attempting to read the Oeconomicus not so much as either a simple book of prescriptions or an "ironic" negation of these prescriptions, but rather as a polyphonous dialogue that aims to problematize (as opposed to prescribe).…”

“…Utility becomes a quality of an object that refers not primarily to its potential utility but rather to the ability of the owner to use it rightly. Knowledge is a crucial component of wealth, because it "transforms otherwise useless objects into tools which serve a good purpose" (Danzig 2003(Danzig rev. 2010.…”

“…I shall do so on systematic terms, without making any claims as to chronology or the precise relation between Plato and Xenophon.3 The discussion will proceed in three steps. First, I will briefly sketch the outlines of both Xenophon's and Plato's attitude toward riches, wealth, possessions, and money (Section 2) and articulate the systematic differences between the two (Section 3; for more elaborate treatment, see Leshem 2013, Figueira 2012, Desmond 2006, Perrotta 2004, Danzig 2003, Danzig & Schaps 2001, Lowry 1987, Trever 1916). Next, the economic ideas underlying Plato's rejection of feetaking will be discussed (Section 4) and Xenophon's monetary theory behind his rejection of fee-taking will be scrutinized (Section 5).…”

“Paraíso”, agricultura y virtud en algunas obras de Jenofonte

“…por ejemplo Danzig 2003, p. 74, y Morales 2001, quien afirma que Iscómaco es Jenofonte enmascarado. Para más datos de Iscómaco como modelo de καλοκἀγαθία, cf.…”