Greek Classics: Political Proficiency - Xenophon's Memoirs of Socrates 4.2.1-7


Details
ABOUT
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During this meetup we will read through the beginning part of chapter 2 of the fourth book of the Memorbilia (Recollections of Socrates), following on from the previous chapter about learning and discerning. A face value reading of this text raises important questions about democracy that we will discuss, with the intention of synthesising our differing opinions into some kind of conclusion.
The beginning of the text states:
"I shall next describe what his attitude was towards those who thought that they had received the best education and prided themselves on their wisdom."
PROGRAM
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6:15 - Doors open
6:30 - Formal start
6:45 - Icebreaker and introductions
7:05 - Reading of text
7:10 - Initial thoughts about the text
7:20 - Discussion Question 1
7:50 - Discussion Question 2
8:20 - Contributions & formal closing
8:30 - Event finish
PURPOSE
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Reading classical texts is a very productive exercise in the search for wisdom and transformation. It expands and strengthens our understanding, while at the same time allowing us to break out of our world-views entrenched in modernism by challenging us to enter into the minds of people that lived in a very different time and place.
The 5th and 4th century BC in Athens was a time of fast growth and cultural development following the victory of two large wars. This brought much change in societal values very quickly, and also like our post-war history, the boom was chaotic and so didn't last forever. The discussions raised in this text highlight the same issues in our time.
WHO WAS XENOPHON?
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Xenophon was a military leader, philosopher, biographer and historian originally from Athens, and then later moved to Sparta. His writing were esteemed and well read during the Roman period, and between the 16th - 19th century. Xenophon’s moral posture and his conviction that proper instruction, both practical and moral, could achieve human improvement had an appeal in a world of Humanism and secular enlightenment. Hence I believe his views should be carried forth and integrated into our outlook today, with the best science of how exactly to do that.
Memorbilia Book 4, along with much else of his work belong to an ancient genre exclusive to the Classical period called Sokratikoi Logoi, in which authors give account of Socrates, usually in a dialogue form, and usually to convey a moral message or philosophical insight.
Memorbilia is a very fascinating text I believe because it answers ethical questions that are raised by Plato's account of Socrates for us to ponder and consider without conclusive answers. Xenophon is also of great value to understanding Stoicism as his Socratic Ethics and heavily implanted into Epictetus.
VENUE
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The room has a small capacity of 10 people. Please keep your RSVP up-to-date. If we have a waitlist, I as host may have to make an executive decision to prioritise those who have a better history of sticking to their intended attendance. Please appreciate that it is nothing personal, we just wish to be fair to those who would have actually shown up, but instead missed out on a place for nothing.
If you don't make the attending list, you are very welcome to message me or comment. In this case I will prioritise those with an interest in Classical philosophy or history, so please let me know what about this event appeals to you. I believe in full disclosure, so you are welcome to dispute if you don't get a place, however I do need a solution to the problem of no-shows in a limited capactiy venue. I appreciate your understanding.
WHAT TO BRING
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No prior reading or learning is necessary. I recommend a water bottle and a pen and note pad, to help capture your ideas and straighten out your thoughts.
I am also well aware that this event takes place right at dinner time, and I know what it's like to be waiting for something to finish because you are hungry. If you don't have time to eat before you come, I will recommend having a snack beforehand.
Please consider bringing 5 dollars or 10 or more dollars as a contribution for the meetup fees (50 dollars a month), and to show appreciation for all the effort involved in organising.
PARTICIPATION
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If you don't feel comfortable talking in front of groups and prefer just to observe, we totally understand. Nobody will be compelled to speak, although you will be safely encouraged because we value a diverse range of view points and perspectives.

Greek Classics: Political Proficiency - Xenophon's Memoirs of Socrates 4.2.1-7