LECTURE ARMAND D’ANGOUR
SOCRATES IN LOVE: THE REVELATION OF ASPASIA

“I know that I know nothing” («Εν οίδα ότι ουδέν οίδα») is the well-known Socratic dictum. However, in Plato’s Symposium, set in 416 BC, Socrates himself claims that there is one thing he does know: love. How is this possible? As he explains, through the teaching of a wise woman. The name given to this figure in Plato’s text is “Diotima”, a seemingly fictional character. Yet, the name points to a historical reference and is linked to a chronologically identifiable claim. Recent scholarly research offers an answer: behind the figure of Diotima stands Aspasia of Miletus. In a fascinating discussion, the renowned British classicist Armand D’Angour, Professor of Classics at the University of Oxford, will present the historical evidence supporting this identification, as well as its striking implications. He will be joined in conversation by Kevin Featherstone, Emeritus Professor at the London School of Economics and President of the Anglo-Hellenic League.