So then Socratic humor is that he spoke symbolically or allegorically and maintained an unassuming demeanor. Aristophanes took this seriously and made Socrates out to be everyone’s fool. Whether Aristophanes inspired the crowd or the crowd inspired Aristophanes, isn’t the problem, as Xenophon suggests. Comedy keeps the conversation going. Philosophy asks questions.
Another work you should consider covering is "Philosophies for Sale" by the satirist Lucian. It's in the Loeb Classical Library and a bit harsh, but definitely worth a read.
Thank you for this nice writeup. Aristophanes was my favorite writer of those ancient Greeks i studied in the original in college . I especially enjoyed reading The Clouds and getting to see one or two of the other comedies such as Lysistrata performed in ancient theaters on a trip to Greece.
So then Socratic humor is that he spoke symbolically or allegorically and maintained an unassuming demeanor. Aristophanes took this seriously and made Socrates out to be everyone’s fool. Whether Aristophanes inspired the crowd or the crowd inspired Aristophanes, isn’t the problem, as Xenophon suggests. Comedy keeps the conversation going. Philosophy asks questions.
Another work you should consider covering is "Philosophies for Sale" by the satirist Lucian. It's in the Loeb Classical Library and a bit harsh, but definitely worth a read.
Thank you for this nice writeup. Aristophanes was my favorite writer of those ancient Greeks i studied in the original in college . I especially enjoyed reading The Clouds and getting to see one or two of the other comedies such as Lysistrata performed in ancient theaters on a trip to Greece.