Event Detail

Fri Oct 19, 2018
1229 Dwinelle, Linguistics Seminar Room, Floor A
5–7 PM
Working Group in Ancient Philosophy
Kirk R. Sanders (University of Illinois)
Why was Socrates charged with “introducing religious innovations”?

Xenophon’s Apology and Memorabilia frequently merit little more than footnotes in the vast scholarly literature on Socrates generally, and on Socrates’ trial in particular. The present paper belongs to a larger project in which I try to build a systematic case for Xenophon – and, to a lesser extent, against Plato’s Apology – as a source for understanding the nature and motivation of the charges against Socrates. My focus here will be restricted to the second of those charges (following the wording and order of Diog. Laert. 2.40), which, for reasons I hope to make clear, I translate as “introducing religious innovations”.

(Please note the room change.)