Abstract

Socrates is the philosopher who is quoted most often in the writings of Dio Chrysostom, and appear to have had more influence on his intellec­tual personality than has been hitherto supposed. Dio’s portrait of Socrates is borrowed, not from Plato or the academic tradition, but from the Cynic-Stoic tradi­tion, derived from Antisthenes, as can be seen by the « positive » and « dogmatic » views of Socrates’ teaching that Dio is reporting instead of the Platonic cross-exa­miner. The reason for Dio’s choice can be found in the basic motivations that inspired his literary and political activity during the reign of Nerva and Trajan and his vision of the philosopher as advisor of the prince.