Publication Details

Abstract

The basic author’s assumption is that the common characteristic of the corpus of Socratic literature is its therapeutic function. Accepting this assumption means that in the interpretation of Socratic dialogues the dramatic structure of the text and the analysis of the ethical problems would be equally important. The paper elucidates Socratesʼ own explaining his role in selected dialogues of Socratic literature. Socrates repeatedly and in various situations declares himself as one who has no knowledge, and is not a teacher. Despite his disavowal of knowledge he is able to help young men to find a better way of life thanks to love he feels toward them. Socrates’ role in dialogues is a therapeutic one: He does not offer any universal solutions to the problems but rather encourages young men to take a permanent care of the self.