“The Clouds” reveals Aristophanes’ negative view of a certain type of learning—one in which Socrates participates. In a previous class (in seventh grade), we read and admired Socrates’ complex definition and discussion of truth, and his last words before his death. In both philosophical discussions, Socrates’ ability to provoke others’ intellects was readily apparent. This first exposure to Socrates influenced my reading of “The Clouds.” Aristophanes describes a man who supervises an unconventional school, the Thinkery, and its unusual experiments and learning activities. Aristophanes’ satirical writing expresses his negative view of Socrates and the “learning” that takes place at the Thinkery. The only reason Strepsiades brings his son Pheidippides to the Thinkery is because the father wants his son to learn to argue his way out of his debt. The background story to this particular story sets the negative tone of the story. Strepsiades does not bring his son to the school because he desires a learning experience, or because he wants his son to learn from a revolutionary thinker; he brings his son Pheidippides to Socrates because the father is stressed by his son’s debt and thinks Socrates can teach Pheidipides to argue his way out of paying his debt. From this initial situation, the question regarding Aristophanes’ view of Socrates’ morality arises—is someone who defends the guilty a bad person? This initial situation, the reason that Strepsiades brings his son to the Thinkery also addresses the second question, “Is Socrates doing something useful with his life? Again, not only is the morality of Socrates attempting to help Pheidippides is questionable, but the usefulness of this behavior is debateable. Certainly, the other discoveries of the school—measuring a flea’s jump and discovering the source of a gnat’s hum—are essentially useless tidbits of information, but is Socrates’ support of the experience and pursuit of discovery useless? I believe that these questions raised cannot be answered with simple “yes” or “no” responses. Comparing the questions to modern examples can only begin to spark thoughts on the subject, and I will not attempt to make sweeping decisions regarding the morality and usefulness of Socrates’ behavior. While Socrates in Aristophanes’ play is not meant to be admired (his negative qualities are repeatedly emphasized), I cannot help but admire the originality and boundless curiosity of the philosopher. I definitely understand that my view of Socrates is influenced by my previous exposure to his work, but I still have a hard time looking as critically on Socrates as Aristophanes presents him. Perhaps Aristophanes depicts Socrates in this satirical way for purely artistic effect, and he was just trying to entertain an audience. Or, perhaps he truly believed his characterization of Socrates and was not disturbed that this play ultimately contributed to bringing Socrates’ death.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Response to "The Clouds"
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Catherine, I think it is awesome that you have studied Socrates before and know so much about it other than what Aristophanes had to say. Your background knowledge and ability to compare the different sides of Socrates made your response very interesting to read!
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