Abstract

Part of the purpose of this dissertation is to show that Xenophon's predominantly modern critics are mistaken in dismissing the Memorabilia as a work worthy of serious consideration. These critics maintain that Xenophon's formal defense of Socrates in the opening two chapters of the work is so inadequate that it undermines the credibility and significance of his subsequent recollection of Socrates' conversations with the companions. Contrary to the claims of these critics, our examination of Xenophon's defense shows that it is designed to clarify Socrates' complex role as a critical but responsible citizen-philosopher. To further substantiate this reading of the defense, we examine a selection of the Socratic conversations reported in the Memorabilia. These conversations show how Socrates accomplished, within the framework of his awareness of the fundamental and unresolved questions of political life, different objectives at the same time: namely, to help his companions improve themselves, to point out practical ways of moderating the democracy, and to advance his private, philosophical interests. By revealing the scope and limits of Socrates' practical wisdom, these conversations point to the various aspects of the problem of perfecting the city and its citizens. In all, they suggest that the Memorabilia is intended to convey in a systematic and comprehensive manner those experiences of Socrates' civic life that led Xenophon to reflect on the fundamental problems of politics