Socratic Charis: Philosophy without the Agon

This book explores the possibility that Plato’s philosophia is influenced by non-agonal practices and values that historically and philosophically antedate the agonal practices of the Athenian ekklesia. The author surveys literature concerning the predominance of agonal in ancient Greek culture, the values associated with oral poetic performance as a religious practice, and the ubiquitous character of the gift practice known as xenia in the ancient world. The author compares the structure of the agon to the structure of other ancient practices, and reasons that while agonistic practices are oppositional and binary, poetic and social practices are narrative and plural and exemplify, alternative to the agonal, the value of charis—grace. Reading Socratic speech and Socratic inquiry in terms of charis illuminates the narrative structure of Plato’s portrayal of Socrates and precludes one-dimensional analyses of Plato’s writings as philosophically agonistic and demonstrative. Rather the value of Socratic charis illustrates the value of genuine dialogue, and the author suggests how revaluing Socratic dialogue in light of charis can be relevant to current thinking about philosophy, politics, and the agon.

Table of Contents:
Introduction – Gold for Bronze Chapter 1: Troubling the Agon The Myth of the Agon The Politics of the Agon The History of the Agon Chapter 2: Non-Agonistic Practices Who and What is Zeus? Muses Non-Agonistic Speech Chapter 3: Xenia: An economy of Charis Gift Practices Xenia God for Bronze Chapter 4: The “Gift” of Socrates Interregnum Who and What is Socrates? Socrates as Gift The Economy of Philosophy Chapter 5: Socratic Charis Poetic Charis Cephalus: A Graceful Head? Socratic Charis Epilogue – Listening for the Tyrant Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Lisa A. Wilkinson is associate professor of philosophy at Nebraska Wesleyan University and author of “Parmenides and To Eon: Reconsidering Muthos and Logos”.

Review :
Wilkinson's book challenges traditional accounts of the agonistic nature of Greek society, suggesting that charis or "grace" is an equally important concept. Her book is an innovative work that offers new insights and opens up fresh lines of inquiry into the nature of poetic practice, political friendship, and Socratic dialogue. Wilkinson helps us to reconnect Socratic philosophical practice to social relationships and political community.