A Few Observations on the Distinctive Features of the Greek Culture
A Few Observations on the Distinctive Features of the Greek Culture

Summary/Abstract: It is quite common to believe that in the Platonic dialogues the character of Socrates plays two roles (Wróblewski 2005: passim). First, the character represents Socrates himself; second, it is used to express thoughts, values, and beliefs of Plato. These two roles are so mixed together that it is hardly possible to distinguish between them. In the dialogue Menon (81–84) Plato lectures on his concepts about immortality and pre-existence of soul, metempsychosis, and learning as a reminder of knowledge, which had been gained by the soul previously: before birth (anamnesis). Naturally, Socrates proves legitimacy of his points while delivering the lecture to one of Menon’s slaves. The boy demonstrates – in view of his status – a surprising arithmetic skill, a good ability of logical thinking and associating of facts. However, before the conversation, Socrates asks whether the slave is Greek and speaks Greek (῞Ελλην μέν ἐστι καὶ ἑλληνίζει;1). A seemingly innocent question about common language may conceal much more – you can look here for one of the most interesting features of the Greek culture in antiquity, namely for an almost total insensitivity of the Hellenes to sounds and colours of any other language.

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