Charmides Summary
“Charmides” is a Socratic dialogue written by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. It is set in 5th-century Athens and features Socrates engaging in philosophical conversation with several characters. The dialogue explores the nature of wisdom, self-knowledge, and the relationship between beauty and goodness. Here is a detailed summary of “Charmides”:
Introduction: The dialogue begins with Socrates and his friend, Chaerephon, visiting the wrestling school of the renowned trainer Taureas. There, they encounter Charmides, a handsome and noble young man, and his guardian, Critias, who is also a relative of Socrates. Chaerephon encourages Socrates to engage in conversation with Charmides to explore the young man’s character and wisdom.
Part I: Definition of Temperance (Sophrosyne): Socrates initiates a conversation with Charmides by asking if he possesses a certain quality known as sophrosyne, often translated as temperance or self-control. Socrates is interested in understanding what sophrosyne is and whether Charmides possesses it.
Critias, eager to contribute to the discussion, offers a definition of sophrosyne as “doing one’s own things.” Socrates, however, finds this definition insufficient and challenges Critias to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the term.
Charmides, although initially reluctant to join the conversation, becomes intrigued by the philosophical inquiry and offers his own definition of sophrosyne as “quietness.” This leads to further exploration of what constitutes quietness and whether it is a sufficient definition for the virtue in question.
The dialogue emphasizes the importance of defining key concepts before engaging in discussions about their nature and value. Socrates suggests that true knowledge requires a clear understanding of the subject under consideration.
Part II: The Elenchus (Cross-Examination): Socrates, dissatisfied with the definitions provided, engages in an elenchus, a cross-examination aimed at revealing inconsistencies or contradictions in the interlocutor’s beliefs.
Socrates questions Charmides about whether those who know themselves always do what they think is best for them. Charmides agrees, but Socrates challenges this assertion by presenting scenarios where individuals act against their own best interests due to ignorance or lack of self-awareness.
The discussion evolves into a more profound exploration of self-knowledge and its implications for virtuous behavior. Socrates contends that true temperance involves knowledge of what is beneficial for oneself and that such knowledge must be accompanied by wisdom.
Part III: The Role of Knowledge and Wisdom: As the dialogue progresses, Socrates introduces the idea that sophrosyne is not merely about self-control but involves knowledge and wisdom. He suggests that true temperance requires understanding what is truly good for oneself.
Socrates, employing his dialectical method, questions whether temperance can exist without wisdom and whether someone who possesses knowledge of what is truly good can act contrary to that knowledge. This line of inquiry delves into the relationship between knowledge and virtuous conduct.
The conversation becomes increasingly complex as Socrates and Charmides explore the nuanced connections between wisdom, self-knowledge, and virtuous behavior. The dialogue highlights the importance of an examined life and the pursuit of wisdom for achieving true temperance.
Part IV: Critias’ Proposal: Critias, intrigued by the philosophical discussion, proposes a new direction for the conversation. He suggests that Socrates should examine whether sophrosyne is present in Charmides by observing the young man’s physical characteristics. This proposal marks a departure from the abstract philosophical inquiry into the nature of temperance.
Socrates agrees to this proposal, and Charmides is asked to bare his arm so that Socrates can observe the shape and appearance of his soul, as suggested by Critias. This turn in the dialogue introduces a more mystical and unconventional approach to the investigation of virtue.
Part V: The Examination of Charmides’ Physical Features: Socrates examines Charmides’ physical characteristics, focusing on the appearance of his eyes and the shape of his nose. Critias suggests that certain physical features, such as a straight nose and large eyes, are indicative of temperance. The dialogue takes a somewhat humorous turn as Socrates engages in this unusual examination.
However, the examination is inconclusive, and Socrates expresses reservations about the reliability of such physical indicators. This part of the dialogue serves as a critique of attempts to assess virtue solely based on external appearances.
Part VI: The Inadequacy of External Signs: Socrates emphasizes that true knowledge of temperance cannot be obtained through the observation of physical features alone. He argues that external signs may be deceptive and that the essence of virtue lies in the soul rather than in outward appearances.
The dialogue shifts back to the more philosophical inquiry into the nature of sophrosyne, with Socrates insisting on the importance of understanding the connection between wisdom, self-knowledge, and virtuous conduct. The examination of physical features is ultimately deemed inadequate for determining the presence of true temperance.
Part VII: The Indispensability of Wisdom: Socrates returns to the central theme of wisdom as a prerequisite for temperance. He argues that without wisdom, external signs and appearances are unreliable indicators of virtue. The dialogue underscores the philosophical principle that true understanding of virtue requires a deeper comprehension of its nature.
Critias acknowledges the limitations of the physical examination and expresses his desire for further philosophical exploration. Socrates and Charmides agree to continue their inquiry into the nature of sophrosyne through a more rigorous examination of the soul and its connection to wisdom.
Conclusion: The dialogue concludes with the understanding that the pursuit of wisdom and self-knowledge is indispensable for the cultivation of true temperance. The conversation, while not providing a definitive answer to the nature of sophrosyne, highlights the complexities and nuances involved in the philosophical inquiry into virtue.
Socrates’ commitment to dialectical reasoning and the exploration of abstract concepts sets the tone for Plato’s broader philosophical approach. “Charmides” serves as an early example of Socratic dialogue, showcasing the method of questioning and cross-examination that became synonymous with Socratic philosophy.
The dialogue’s exploration of the relationship between knowledge, virtue, and self-awareness remains relevant in philosophical discourse. The emphasis on the examined life and the pursuit of wisdom as essential components of virtue resonates with broader themes in Plato’s works and lays the groundwork for subsequent philosophical inquiries into ethics and the nature of the self.