Abstract

Blitz discusses the question of Socrates’ motives in two ways. First, he considers the general importance of Plato’s titles, opening scenes, and conclusions for clarifying Socrates’ motives. He then illustrates this primarily through Socrates’ discussion with Alcibiades in Alcibiades 1, the Lysis, the Parmenides, and the Theaetetus in order to explore Socrates’ art of seduction and what he seeks to achieve in talking with political men and in discussing “philosophical” matters. Second, Blitz pursues these questions in greater detail through an examination of Plato’s Erastai, in which each of these issues appears.