Followers of Socrates: Close Friends & Students!
Socrates was both loved and admired by a lot of his fellow citizens. But he was also hated for his different way of looking into sensitive things like religion, God, and other obvious beliefs.
However, he attracted some of the greatest minds of his time to his unique personality. As a result, we can see some of the greatest philosophers who shaped the world. They are none other than Socrates’ noted students. Here is a list of them:
Plato:
Among the notable individuals who studied under Socrates, Plato stands out as one of the most prominent figures. Philosopher Plato, whose real name was Aristocles is often considered Socrates’ most famous pupil.
Born into an aristocratic Athenian family, Plato initially aspired to pursue a political career but was drawn to philosophy after encountering Socrates.
Plato’s dialogues, which feature Socrates as the main character, provide valuable insights into Socratic philosophy and its applications in various aspects of life. The truth is, that most of what we know about Socrates comes from the writings of Plato.
2. Xenophon
Xenophon, another student of Socrates, offered a different perspective on Socratic philosophy through his writings. Born into a wealthy Athenian family, Xenophon was initially attracted to military pursuits but later became interested in philosophy.
He became one of Socrates’ disciples and recorded his conversations with the philosopher in his works, providing additional insights into Socrates’ teachings and character.
Xenophon’s philosophy is deeply rooted in preserving and interpreting the teachings of Socrates. Xenophon emphasizes the practical aspects of Socrates’ teachings.
We have an in-depth blog listing his top 5 students and their contributions to the history of philosophy. To learn more, read the linked blog.
Lesser-Known Students/Followers:
In addition to the well-known students of Socrates mentioned earlier, many other exciting figures learned from him. But most of them were less famous than the previous ones. Here’s a look at some of them:
Aeschines of Sphettus
A lesser-known but significant figure in Athenian philosophy was Aeschines of Sphettus. Living from around 425 to 350 BC, he was a contemporary of Socrates and became his pupil during his youth. To avoid confusion with another prominent Athenian named Aeschines, historians often call him “Aeschines Socraticus.”
He was a Socratic philosopher. There is some debate about the nature of Socrates and Aeschines’ relationship. However, Aeschines is mentioned in Plato’s dialogues, a key source of information about Socrates and his circle.
Aeschines of Sphettus was reportedly present at both Socrates’ trial and execution, according to Plato’s account.
Following Socrates’ death, Aeschines emulated Plato by composing philosophical dialogues featuring Socrates as the main character.
Though these writings are known only through fragments and quotes from later authors, Aeschines was admired in ancient times for his faithful depiction of Socratic conversations.
Scholars claim his work was more similar to Plato’s style than Xenophon’s in presenting these dialogues.
Aristodemus of Cydathenaeum: A Devoted Follower of Socrates
Plato’s “Symposium” portrays Aristodemus as a short and possibly lower-class individual who didn’t wear shoes. Xenophon uses a similar term, referring to him as “Aristodemus the dwarf.” Interestingly, Aristodemus shared his deme (a local Athenian district) with the famous playwright Aristophanes, who also appears in Plato’s “Symposium.”
While details about his life are scarce, scholars believe he was part of an earlier generation of Socrates’ students. This theory is based on his portrayal and the assumption that he appears in Aristophanes’ comedy “Banqueters” from 427 BCE. Another clue is his absence from accounts of Socrates’ final days in 399 BCE, suggesting he might have died before then.
Cebes of Thebes
Cebes of Thebes was a student of Socrates and is featured in Plato’s dialogues “Phaedo” and “Crito.” He is depicted as a thoughtful and serious individual who grapples with philosophical questions. Plato’s dialogues offer valuable insights into Socrates’ teachings and their impact on his students.
Chaerephon
Chaerephon was a friend and associate of Socrates, mentioned in several of Plato’s dialogues. He is described as a strong supporter of Socrates and his beliefs. These dialogues provide a window into the relationships Socrates cultivated with his students.
Phaedrus (Athenian)
Phaedrus is a character in Plato’s dialogue of the same name. He is an Athenian nobleman interested in rhetoric and philosophy. Plato’s dialogues are a primary source for many of Socrates’ students, though some scholars argue for a more critical approach to portraying Socrates’ ideas.
Simon the Shoemaker
Living in Athens during the late 5th century BC was a shoemaker called Simon. However, Simon was not an ordinary shoemaker; he was an acquaintance of Socrates and a man deeply interested in philosophy. Our primary source of information about Simon comes from Diogenes Laërtius’ book “Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers.” Plutarch and Synesius also briefly mention him. Interestingly, a student of Socrates named Phaedo of Elis even wrote a dialogue titled “Simon.”
According to Xenophon, young people weren’t allowed in the central marketplace (Agora) back then.
Instead, they would gather at the workshops surrounding it. Socrates, known for his love of conversation, frequented these shops to engage with the craftspeople, and Simon, the shoemaker, was one such acquaintance.
Simon reportedly tried to remember and document these conversations, making him a potential pioneer in recording Socrates’ ideas.
It’s interesting to note that Socrates, as depicted in Plato’s “Apology,” valued genuine knowledge in any form.
In this light, Simon’s skill in shoemaking could be seen as a kind of expertise that Socrates admired.
The story further highlights Simon’s dedication to his craft and philosophical pursuits — supposedly, the influential Athenian leader Pericles even offered to support him financially if he moved in. However, Simon reportedly refused, valuing his independence over material comfort.
Cleombrotus of Ambracia
Some accounts tell a curious tale of Cleombrotus, a young man from Ambracia. Inspired by Socrates, he allegedly chose a dramatic exit from life — leaping into the ocean! This story, recounted by the Roman poet Callimachus in his epigram “On Cleombrotus,” has puzzled historians for centuries. Did Socrates’ teachings truly advocate suicide, or did Cleombrotus misinterpret them?
Clitophon (Athenian)
Clitophon, a lesser-known figure among Socrates’ students, is not only mentioned in the dialogue that bears his name, “Clitophon,” but also appears in Plato’s “Euthydemus.” It indicates his active involvement in the philosophical discussions of ancient Athens.
While the “Clitophon” dialogue, whose authenticity is debated, presents him criticizing Socrates for not providing positive guidance on attaining virtue, his presence in “Euthydemus” further situates him within the rich tapestry of Socratic dialogues.
In “Euthydemus,” although Clitophon’s role may not be as central, his inclusion by Plato underscores the diversity of views among Socrates’ followers and the vibrant intellectual debates of the time.
Clitophon’s critique in the “Clitophon” dialogue highlights a distinctive aspect of Socratic philosophy — its focus on dialectic inquiry rather than on offering direct teachings, showcasing the complexity of Socratic interactions and the philosophical milieu of Athens.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, exploring the lives and contributions of Socrates’ students provides valuable insights into the philosophy and teachings of this iconic figure.
From Plato to lesser-known disciples, each student played a significant role in preserving and enriching Socratic philosophy.
Through their writings and dialogues, they not only immortalized Socrates’ ideas but also contributed their own perspectives, expanding the boundaries of philosophical inquiry. The enduring legacy of Socratic teachings is evident in their continued relevance and impact on contemporary thought.
By studying Socrates’ students, we gain a deeper understanding of his philosophy and its enduring relevance in our quest for truth, wisdom, and self-discovery.
