What They're Arguing About
Socrates corners the ambitious young Alcibiades, who is currently riding high on his own beauty, wealth, and family connections. Before the boy can walk into the assembly and advise the Athenians on peace and war, Socrates demands a resume of his knowledge. Since Alcibiades has never had a teacher and cannot explain what makes a war just, he is forced to admit he is effectively winging it. The conversation pivots from geopolitics to the human soul, arguing that a man who does not know himself is unqualified to handle the affairs of a city or even his own household.
Speakers
- Socrates
A self-described know-nothing who interrogates the ambitious youth.
- Alcibiades
A wealthy, handsome young man seeking to lead Athens.
- Pericles
The famous Athenian statesman and guardian of Alcibiades.
- Aristotle
The philosopher whose citations are used to verify Platonic authorship.
What it's really about
- Self-Knowledge
- The prerequisite for political authority.
- Justice
- The essential knowledge for advising on war.
Why it's memorable
- Socrates describing himself as the only lover who stayed after the others fled Alcibiades' pride.
- The image of a stork being cherished by the bird it hatched.
What they conclude
Alcibiades resolves to follow Socrates as his master to learn justice, though Socrates fears the city's influence will ruin them both.
For your book club
- Whether political expertise requires a moral foundation.
- The authenticity of the text as a genuine Platonic work.