Perictione, Plato and Socrates

Perictione was no ordinary woman. She is a descendant of Solon, the greatest Athenian lawmaker who replaced the actual Draconian laws with more humane ones. She is the sister of Charmides and the niece of Critias - two prominent personalities of the infamous Thirty Tyrants who ruled Athens for nearly a year following its defeat in the Peloponnesian War. 

Further, Perictione is one of the unsung teachers of Socrates and the mother of his greatest student, Plato. She was not the first ancient Greek woman who wrote about marital or female psychology. Yet her works are unique since they preach austerity and unflinching devotion to the husband, albeit in stark paradox to her wealthy upbringing and two marriages.

That Perictione was highly educated is apparent from her works and her demeanour, which has been broadly described as regal yet simple, benevolent and virtuous. Her first husband was Ariston of Collytus- a descendant of King Codrus of the ruling family of Athens, whom she married after a couple of years of courtship. Legends claim, Ariston either molested or attempted to force Perictione into physical intimacy but some supernatural occurrence deterred him, though this account is dubious.

Perictione and Ariston bore three children, which included three sons, Plato, Adeimantus and Glaucon, and a daughter named Potone. However, Ariston passed away when Plato was rather young.

Perictione and Plato

Perictione realized that Plato was exceptionally talented. Other than regular education, she also began teaching him some doctrines she had theorized by attending debates between thinkers and aristocrats. She also attended some of the public meetings held by Socrates and was impressed by his eccentric mannerisms.

The unique teachings of Socrates enamoured Perictione, leading her to believe her son Plato would study well under this great thinker. Further, she also felt it would in some ways, compensate for the lack of parental attention to Plato, since her husband Pyrilempes, due to his official duties, was unable to give him vital fatherly guidance.

As mother, Perictione had a great influence upon Plato’s thoughts as well, which were shaped mainly from Socratic teachings. Many historians credit Perictione for encouraging Plato to permit women to join the school he later founded- the Academy- a unique distinction at the time and acclaimed to date.

Perictione and Socrates

Young Plato, who was already enchanted by Socratic doctrines, began studying under the great thinker. Perictione would visit Socrates often or invite the eccentric teacher to their palatial home in Athens. The two often debated among themselves, their diverse doctrines and thoughts. The renowned ancient Greek historian and chronicler, Diogenes Laertius mentions that Perictione influenced some Socratic thoughts.

A famous Socratic quote: “A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true,” is said to be inspired by Perictione, who believed that morals based on perceived emotions, are fallacious unless they culminate into befitting action. 

The friendship between Perictione and Socrates thrived over the years. To an extent, Perictione visited Socrates when he was incarcerated on charges of sedition against Athens by turning a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the Thirty Tyrants and openly praising the Spartans- their archenemies. She tried to use the good offices of her husband Pyrilempes to get Socrates condoned and spared of the death sentence.  Perictione also met Socrates on the day he was executed by Hemlock, while some records claim she was present till he breathed his last.