HPhil Seminar: May 16, 2024

The HPhil (History of Philosophy) Research Group of the Centre of Philosophy of the University of Lisbon announces the 2023/24 edition of its permanent seminar on the history of philosophy, devoted to the presentation of conferences by renowned specialists while also creating opportunities to emerging scholars, aiming to promote advanced studies in groundbreaking debates and the permanent training of its academic community.

In this session of the seminar, Charlotta Weigelt (Södertörn University) will present a paper, entitled “Plato on the nature and possibility of political expertise (politikē technē)”, (abstract below)

The session will take place on May 16, 2024 at 5 p.m., in the Room C201.J (Room Mattos Romão, Department of Philosophy). Admission is free.

Abstract

In Plato’s dialogues, Socrates repeatedly inquires into the possibility of a technē by means of which we could educate people in virtue. In breif, such a technē would enable us to exercise rational control over our moral and political lives. Against this backdrop, the political project outlined in the Republic might look like an answer to Socrates’ prayers: here it becomes clear what a rationally and purposefully governed state would look like, that is, a state where nothing is left to chance, and every citizen fulfills their designated function, so that each part contributes to the whole. It is also this depiction of the state that has given the dialogue its reputation as a totalitarian vision of an “ideal state.” In my talk, I want to challenge this view and instead propose that not only the Republic but Plato’s political philosophy in general primarily aims to diagnose the conditions of possibility for politics, that is to say, to clarify what is required to create a unified and stable society where citizens are united in their commitment to the common good. At the center of Plato’s analysis, as far as I can see, is the idea of the responsible and self-governing citizen, which is embodied in a special way by Socrates. As is well known, Socrates abstained from engaging in professional politics to instead devote himself to critical conversations with his fellow human beings. In the Gorgias, Socrates argues that precisely in virtue of his critical work, he is actually the only one who can be said to master the art of politics. But insofar as Socrates’ way of practicing politics challenges the instrumentalism of professional politics, it also seems to call into question the very notion of political technē or expertise. So how does Plato view the possibility of organizing society in a purposeful or instrumental way, and does he consider it desirable at all? These are questions that I will address in my talk.