The failed (?) rhetoric of Socrates – identification, non-conformity, and subtle criticism of the court in Plato’s Apology of Socrates

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Adamidis, V. ORCID: 0000-0001-6347-5327, 2024. The failed (?) rhetoric of Socrates – identification, non-conformity, and subtle criticism of the court in Plato’s Apology of Socrates. Athens Journal of History. ISSN 2407-9677 (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

This paper examines the rhetoric used by Socrates in Plato's Apology through the lens of Social Identity Theory and Burke’s concept of identification. Considering rhetoric as the art of persuasion through the orator’s invocation of shared group identity with the audience, the analysis explores the extent to which Socrates aligned himself with widely accepted conventional norms, values, and beliefs to establish rapport with the dicasts. Remaining steadfast to truth, his principles, and his divine mission, Socrates emerged as a nonconformist to the majority of the contemporary audience. Nonetheless, he managed to establish himself as the prototype philosopher, advocating for an elevated identification based on virtue with his followers and successors across all generations.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Athens Journal of History

Creators:

Adamidis, V.

Publisher:

Athens Institute for Education and Research

Date:

18 July 2024

ISSN:

2407-9677