It's probably been said before, but this little conclusion hit me over the head about 2,000 times with all the subtlety of an atomic bomb after I read The Apology and Phaedrus. Dumbledore is Socrates.

Besides the physical similarities (both old, ugly as sin, long white beards, large noses) they share other characteristics as well. For instance, both are former soldiers, and it features prominently in their later lives. Both drink potions that spell their doom (though Dumbledore takes an AK from a follower for good measure). Both see people as souls instead of bodies.

And Finally:

Dumbledore is a Dualist thinker (going with Rowlings theme).

Also, Dumbledore and Socrates are put on trial (Dumbledore in the Court of Public Opinion -- Socrates in the Court of Public Opinion that can give death sentences) for "Corrupting the Youth", for both are teachers.

Also, each have scientific inclinations -- Dumbledore towards alchemy, and Socrates towards investigating the natural world.

Each act as social gadflies.

Etc.

Well, after propping up this fairly obvious (I bet JKR has decreed this already early on -- but I rarely, if ever, read her interviews so...) half-assed first post of a thread, I wonder what you guys think -- who is Dumbledore? And better yet, if Dumbledore is Socrates, then who the fuck is Plato? Because it sure as hell ain't Harry.

 

I don't know if Dumbledore is Socrates. If what I had been taught is correct, Socrates did not share his knowledge to such an extent as Dumbledore has been trying to, or even help out in the community. Dumbledore governs the school and the government, trying to keep both of the stable and running. Socrates kept to himself and taught Pluto, who then tried to teach some of Socrates thoughts to others.

If you have any links that specify this opinion more, I'd love to read them. I am not into philosophy as much as others, but still have a mild interest. Of course, if what I had said makes no sense, please tell me so. if anything I say is incorrect, I'd rather know I was wrong.

 

While I see how Dumbledore could easily be mistaken for Socrates I do not think JKR meant for that to happen. I think what is happening is Carl Jung's theory of the general unconscious is being shown. Jung said that there are basic character types that go through every story the only difference in them is they are dressed in different cultures. Yes, I know Socrates was a real person and not made up, but I think the kind of person we know Socrates to be fits an archetype.

I would say Dumbledore fits the archetype of the wise old man perfectly; however I do not think JKR meant Dumbledore to be like Socrates. I would say Dumbledore was made as a character to inspire Harry and to instill morals in Harry which is usually what the wise old man does in stories.

Now could JKR actually have meant Dumbledore to be Socrates? Plausible, but unlikely. Maybe Dumbledore acts like Socrates, but he is no Socrates.

That’s my two cense.

 

Are we arguing over whether Dumbledore is like Socrates or whether Rowling intended for Dumbledore to be like Socrates?

I can't say I know much about the old dead Greek guy, but if he's the one that spawned the Socratic method, then he's a sadistic bitch. I suppose he also tends to share that in common with Dumbledore. If I remember correctly, Dumbledore tended to probe Harry with questions while they sifted through the pensive memories. (Don't quote me on that).

At any rate, their teaching styles are another point of comparison that you might want to think about.

QR

 

Jk did study classical culture (or something similar to that maybe classical literature) so yes it probably does have some significance even if it was not on purpose.

But then again the whole idea of the old man mentor/leader thing appears everywhere (Gandalf anyone?) and while Dumbledore does have other similarities I think it may just be coincidence.