25th Annual Student Research Conference
Care of the Soul by Fostering Aidôs and the Ruin of Alcibiades
Thomas K. Hughes
Dr. Patricia Burton, Faculty Mentor
In the Platonic dialogues, aidôs (shame) is a precursor to the virtues. I will assert that aidôs is crucial for cultivating the virtues of an ordered soul and where aidôs is lacking a corruption of the soul is imminent. That is in caring for the soul, a proper sense of aidôs needs to be fostered. This is explicitly seen in The Republic when shame and fear, or a spirit of reverence, are guardians to a young man's soul (465a9, 560a ). First, there will be a brief study on the word aidôs and its connection with sôphrosynê, temperance. Then an analysis will be done on the 'Story of Prometheus,' in which dikaiosynê, justice and aidôs are given equally to humankind in the Protagoras (320c8-322d5). Lastly, aidôs can be seen as both a restraint for the soul and as restorative element; that is aidôs is necessary for care of the soul.
Keywords: Ethics, Ancient Philosophy, Plato, Socrates, Virtues, Alcibiades, Guardian, Care of the Soul
Topic(s):Philosophy & Religion
Classics
Greek
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 208-3
Location: MG 1000
Time: 10:00