Bryan W Brickner

Aspasia of Miletus Bryan W Brickner

From the summary of the research pamphlet Aspasia of Miletus: Socrates' Didaskalos: In conclusion, the primary sources utilized throughout this pamphlet have demonstrated both parts of the original thesis. In the first case, we have seen that Aspasia's purported political influence only provided the Samians with a scapegoat, Pericles' enemies with a target, and Aristophanes with material for his comedies. In regards to Aspasia's rhetorical skills, we found that she not only had a keen intellect, but also that she utilized the maieutic method and was respected enough by Socrates that he had no difficulty in seeking her advice or in referring to her as his didaskalos.