Title

Ratiocination and Socrates' Daimonion: A Practical Solution

Authors

Anthony K. Jensen, Emory UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-7-2005

Abstract

Socrates's commitment to 'follow the argument wherever it leads' seems to be at odds with his notorious 'divine sign' or daimonion. It appears in several dialogues as a divine force that Socrates cannot help but to obey, even in some cases where no negative consequences would seem to have otherwise obtained. This paper explores the meaning of the daimonion in the religious and cultural contexts of early Greece, concluding that the scope of the daimonion is restricted to Socrates' practical activities rather than his theoretical engagements.

Notes

Anthony Jensen presented “Ratiocination and the Daimonion: A Practical Solution” to the Society at its meeting with the American Philological Association in Boston in 2005.

For information about the author see:

http://www.providence.edu/philosophy/faculty/Pages/anthony-jensen.aspx

Recommended Citation

Jensen, Anthony K., "Ratiocination and Socrates' Daimonion: A Practical Solution" (2005). The Society for Ancient Greek Philosophy Newsletter. 402.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/sagp/402