Socrates as a philosopher

The problem with discerning Socrates's philosophical views stems from the perception of contradictions in
statements made by the Socrates in the different dialogues of Plato; in later dialogues Plato used the
character, Socrates, to give voice to views that were his own. These contradictions produce doubt as to the
actual philosophical doctrines of Socrates, within his milieu and as recorded by other individuals.[32]
Aristotle, in his Magna Moralia, refers to Socrates in words which make it patent that the doctrine virtue is
knowledge was held by Socrates. Within the Metaphysics, Aristotle states Socrates was occupied with the
search for moral virtues, being the "first to search for universal definitions for them".[33]

The problem of understanding Socrates as a philosopher is shown in the following: In Xenophon's

Symposium, Socrates is reported as saying he devotes himself only to what he regards as the most
important art or occupation, that of discussing philosophy. However, in The Clouds, Aristophanes portrays
Socrates as running a Sophist school with Chaerephon. Also, in Plato's Apology and Symposium, as well as
in Xenophon's accounts, Socrates explicitly denies accepting payment for teaching. More specifically, in the
Apology, Socrates cites his poverty as proof that he is not a teacher.