SOKRATES VE DEMOKRASİNİN GERİLİMLERİ: BRENTON'UN CANCELLİNG SOCRATES ADLI OYUNU

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Howard Brenton’un Sokrates’in İptali adlı oyununda tasvir edilen kişisel ve siyasi alanlar arasındaki karmaşık etkileşimi, Sokrates’in yargılanması ve idamıyla ilgili tarihsel anlatımlar bağlamında incelemektedir. Brenton’un oyununda Xanthippe ve Aspasia’nın zıt perspektifleri aracılığıyla bireysel değerler ile toplumsal talepler arasındaki gerilim vurgulanmaktadır. Xanthippe’nin kişisel ve ailevi gerçeklikler lehine devlet kaygılarını reddi, bireysel arzular ile siyasi sorumluluklar arasındaki çatışmayı altını çizmektedir. Aspasia’nın devleti ortak çıkarın somutlaşmış hali olarak vurgulaması, demokratik ideali Xanthippe’nin özel alanına karşıt olarak sunmaktadır. Bu dinamik, Sokrates’in yargılanmasının daha geniş tarihsel bağlamını yansıtmaktadır; burada Sokrates’in ahlaki ve entelektüel kışkırtıcılığı, iç çelişkilerle boğuşan bir demokrasiyi provoke etmiştir. Çalışma, Sokrates’in bir ahlaki ve entelektüel provokatör olarak nasıl demokratik normları sorguladığını ve nihai olarak yargılanmasına yol açtığını incelemektedir. Ayrıca, Brenton’un oyundaki Euthyphro aracılığıyla ifade edilen medeniyetin kolektif inanç ve normlara bağımlılığı üzerine eleştirisini değerlendirmektedir. Bu analiz, kişisel bütünlük ile siyasi otorite arasındaki gerilimleri anlamak bağlamında Sokratik temaların sürekliliğini ortaya koymaktadır.

Keywords

• Socrates
• Demokrasi
• Politika
• Howard Brenton
• Cancelling Socrates

SOCRATES AND THE TENSIONS OF DEMOCRACY: BRENTON'S PLAY, CANCELLING SOCRATES

Abstract

This study explores the complex interplay between personal and political spheres as depicted in Howard Brenton's play Cancelling Socrates, alongside historical accounts of Socrates' trial and execution. Brenton’s play highlights the tension between individual values and societal demands through the contrasting perspectives of Xanthippe and Aspasia. Xanthippe’s dismissal of state concerns in favour of personal, familial realities underscores the clash between individual desires and political responsibilities. Aspasia’s emphasis on the state as the embodiment of the common good presents the democratic ideal in opposition to Xanthippe’s private sphere. This dynamic reflects the broader historical context of Socrates’ trial, where his philosophical inquiries and perceived corruption of Athenian youth provoked a democratic system struggling with internal contradictions. The study examines how Socrates’ role as a moral and intellectual provocateur challenged the democratic norms of his time, leading to his eventual prosecution. It also considers Brenton’s critique of civilization’s reliance on collective beliefs and norms, as articulated through Euthyphro's reflections in the play. This analysis reveals the enduring relevance of Socratic themes in understanding the tensions between personal integrity and political authority.

Keywords

• Socrates
• Democracy
• Politics
• Howard Brenton
• Cancelling Socrates

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