Phaenarete
Encyclopedia
Phaenarete wife of Sophroniscus
, was the mother of the Greek philosopher
Socrates
and his half-brother, Patrocles. (Since Sophroniscus had died before 424 BC, he was probably Phaenarete's first husband, while Chaeredemus, father of Patrocles, was her second.) The name Phaenarete means "She who brings virtue to light".
Very little is known of the life of Phaenarete. In Plato's Theaetetus
, Socrates compares his own work as a philosopher with hers as a midwife. Albert Schwegler
writes of Socrates: "his office was rather to help others bring forth thoughts than to produce them himself...[and] he took upon himself to distinguish the birth of an empty thought from one rich in content."
In Xenophon
's Memorabilia, Socrates' respect for the role of motherhood is amply demonstrated in his discussion with his eldest son Lamprocles
. Socrates takes an aggressive stance towards his son, saying: "You are displeased at your mother, although you well know that whatever she says, she not only says nothing with intent to do you harm, but that she wishes you more good than any other human being." Tradition holds that Lamprocles has every reason for resentment, and also that the Memorabilia is an excellent guide to the arguments used against Socrates in his lifetime; carefully answering each in turn with a quote or anecdote. This appears to be the primary purpose of the Memorabilia. It is possible to guess, then, that Socrates' opponents had cited his poor or distant relationship with his wife and or mother, and that Xenophon was concerned to counter this; with an anecdote showing Socrates did have great respect, at least, for the role of mothers held in society. The particular actions of Phaenarete are never defended.
Sophroniscus
Sophroniscus, husband of Phaenarete, was the father of the philosopher Socrates.-Occupation:Little is known about Sophroniscus, and his relationship with his son Socrates...
, was the mother of the Greek philosopher
Greek philosophy
Ancient Greek philosophy arose in the 6th century BCE and continued through the Hellenistic period, at which point Ancient Greece was incorporated in the Roman Empire...
Socrates
Socrates
Socrates was a classical Greek Athenian philosopher. Credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, he is an enigmatic figure known chiefly through the accounts of later classical writers, especially the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon, and the plays of his contemporary ...
and his half-brother, Patrocles. (Since Sophroniscus had died before 424 BC, he was probably Phaenarete's first husband, while Chaeredemus, father of Patrocles, was her second.) The name Phaenarete means "She who brings virtue to light".
Very little is known of the life of Phaenarete. In Plato's Theaetetus
Theaetetus (dialogue)
The Theaetetus is one of Plato's dialogues concerning the nature of knowledge. The framing of the dialogue begins when Euclides tells his friend Terpsion that he had written a book many years ago based on what Socrates had told him of a conversation he'd had with Theaetetus when Theaetetus was...
, Socrates compares his own work as a philosopher with hers as a midwife. Albert Schwegler
Albert Schwegler
Albert Schwegler , was a German philosopher and theologian.-Life:He was born at Michelbach in Württemberg, the son of a country pastor....
writes of Socrates: "his office was rather to help others bring forth thoughts than to produce them himself...[and] he took upon himself to distinguish the birth of an empty thought from one rich in content."
In Xenophon
Xenophon
Xenophon , son of Gryllus, of the deme Erchia of Athens, also known as Xenophon of Athens, was a Greek historian, soldier, mercenary, philosopher and a contemporary and admirer of Socrates...
's Memorabilia, Socrates' respect for the role of motherhood is amply demonstrated in his discussion with his eldest son Lamprocles
Lamprocles
Lamprocles was Socrates' and Xanthippe's eldest son. His two brothers were Menexenus and Sophroniscus. Lamprocles was only a lad at the time of Socrates' trial and death...
. Socrates takes an aggressive stance towards his son, saying: "You are displeased at your mother, although you well know that whatever she says, she not only says nothing with intent to do you harm, but that she wishes you more good than any other human being." Tradition holds that Lamprocles has every reason for resentment, and also that the Memorabilia is an excellent guide to the arguments used against Socrates in his lifetime; carefully answering each in turn with a quote or anecdote. This appears to be the primary purpose of the Memorabilia. It is possible to guess, then, that Socrates' opponents had cited his poor or distant relationship with his wife and or mother, and that Xenophon was concerned to counter this; with an anecdote showing Socrates did have great respect, at least, for the role of mothers held in society. The particular actions of Phaenarete are never defended.