Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago
Discussion focusing particularly on Socrates as presented by Plato in the Apology. Participants considered which comparison of Socrates to other heroes in this text is most apt. While some suggested Odysseus given the parallels between the two characters' journeys on a 'quest', Professor Nagy pointed out that ultimately, Odysseus is a trickster. It is perhaps the character of Achilles, and in particular Achilles' moral integrity which is most aligned with the moral integrity of Socrates, rather than that of Odysseus.
Other topics discussed included a question over the 'heroic' nature of Socrates' quest, the notion of theory and theōriā as invented by Socrates, and juries versus judges. Finally, participants also pointed out the significance of Socrates' enduring legacy such that we may find ritualized practice among Socrates' followers continuing generations upon generations. Professor Nagy was of the view that there is increasing evidence to suggest that Socrates was the beneficiary of a hero cult, as indeed, was Plato.
Mentioned in the discussion: Chapter 1 of:
Nagy, Gregory. 2015. Masterpieces of Metonymy: From Ancient Greek Times to Now. Hellenic Studies Series 72. Washington, DC: Center for Hellenic Studies.
https://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:hul.ebook:CHS_Nagy.Masterpieces_of_Metonymy.2015
Recorded in Fall 2020 during v14 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 22 and 23, and responses to the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
Discussion focusing particularly on Socrates as presented by Plato in the Apology. Participants considered which comparison of Socrates to other heroes in this text is most apt. While some suggested Odysseus given the parallels between the two characters' journeys on a 'quest', Professor Nagy pointed out that ultimately, Odysseus is a trickster. It is perhaps the character of Achilles, and in particular Achilles' moral integrity which is most aligned with the moral integrity of Socrates, rather than that of Odysseus.
Other topics discussed included a question over the 'heroic' nature of Socrates' quest, the notion of theory and theōriā as invented by Socrates, and juries versus judges. Finally, participants also pointed out the significance of Socrates' enduring legacy such that we may find ritualized practice among Socrates' followers continuing generations upon generations. Professor Nagy was of the view that there is increasing evidence to suggest that Socrates was the beneficiary of a hero cult, as indeed, was Plato.
Mentioned in the discussion: Chapter 1 of:
Nagy, Gregory. 2015. Masterpieces of Metonymy: From Ancient Greek Times to Now. Hellenic Studies Series 72. Washington, DC: Center for Hellenic Studies.
https://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:hul.ebook:CHS_Nagy.Masterpieces_of_Metonymy.2015
Recorded in Fall 2020 during v14 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 22 and 23, and responses to the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
