Dialettica, virtù e felicità nei socratici

Abstract

Dialectics, virtue and happiness among the Socratics

My purpose in this paper is to evaluate the diverse points of contact and divergence between Xenophon, Plato and Antisthenes on the question of dialectics. I contend that, although each of these philosophers presents a different approach to dialectics, all three share a common characteristic that makes their positions structurally analogous. I will begin by analyzing an important passage of Xenophon, in which this common characteristic is perhaps most visible, in order to later establish a comparison with Plato and Antisthenes. In addition, this analysis will bring forth the fundamental relationship which exists between dialectics, virtue, and happiness.