Socrates and Aristophanes

Key Themes

1. The Conflict Between Poetry and Philosophy:

Strauss argues that Aristophanes's comedies serve as a critique of Socratic philosophy. He posits that this confrontation is not merely personal but reflects a deeper incompatibility between political wisdom, as understood by Aristophanes, and the philosophical ideals espoused by Socrates. Aristophanes embodies a form of wisdom that accepts reality and mocks its absurdities, while Socrates aims to transcend these limitations through philosophical inquiry12.

2. The Role of Comedy:

In Strauss's analysis, comedy is presented as an autonomous form of wisdom that can rival philosophy. He suggests that Aristophanes’s comedic approach reveals truths about human nature and society that philosophical discourse may overlook. This perspective challenges the notion that philosophy alone holds the keys to understanding political life23.

3. Socratic Representation:

Strauss emphasizes that our understanding of Socrates is largely shaped by the interpretations of others, particularly through Plato's dialogues and Aristophanes's comedies. He highlights the complexity in discerning the true nature of Socratic thought due to the varying portrayals by contemporaries like Xenophon and Aristophanes, who often depicted him as a sophist rather than a philosopher