A protreptic for Crito. Eristic and dialectic in the Euthydemus

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the elements in the complex structure of the Euthydemus and understand the author’s motives for this arrangement. To achieve this goal, I examine the final part of the dialogue and connect it with the narrative of Socrates’ encounter with the brothers. The negative judgement expressed by Crito’s final interlocutor is one of the possible impressions that the socratic dialogue can evoke. However, the criticism that interlocutor allows the autor to refute that interpretation and raise the question of how t oread it correctly. The thesis of this article argues that the dialogue should be approached from a protreptic perspective, not only due to its explicit protreptic elements but also in all levels of interaction, including the formal complexity of the dialogue itself.