October 7th, 2020 
Who is Socrates?
For this assignment, you must demonstrate the existence of a tension between the various portraits of Socrates we have seen and make a case for how to reconcile this tension. Basically, how can we take the seemingly contradictory characterization and arguments we see in different dialogues and reconcile them in order to maintain a coherent picture of the figure of Socrates?
Identify an apparent tension or contradiction in the presentation of Socrates in two of the
Socratic texts Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, & Meno.(Attached PDFs) This may focus on his characterization, his specific arguments, or the implied ideas at work in the text.
Explain the basis for your perception of this tension or contradiction through a careful
accounting of the texts, mindful of the intersecting elements of interpretation we have been engaging with in class (elenchus, narrative, form, and eudiamonia). Because of the short length of the paper, the more specific and narrow you can be, the better.
Develop and defend an interpretation that reconciles this tension. This interpretation should not seek to dismiss the tension as illusory or to choose one portrayal over another, but instead to take both sides of the tension seriously and develop an account that incorporates both into a larger understanding of Socrates character, arguments, or ideas.
– Im looking for you to:
1. Identify and explain a tension you see between the texts
2. Explain the basis and significance of this tension
3. Develop an interpretation that reconciles the tension.
What exactly this looks like will be up to you, depending on the nature of your interpretation and argument, but it should involve careful reading and direct citations from the texts. This essay should represent your very best, most careful and considered work, but I also understand that this kind of argument is very new for many of you.
How many pages your paper should be will depend upon the form it takes. Again, I wont be counting pages or words: I will be evaluating the paper on how well it achieves the ends it sets out to pursue.
Be thoughtful, precise, and creative.
Good luck
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