BİR PARRHESİASTES OLARAK DİOGENES

Abstract

The concept of parrhesia which was used in various texts of Ancient Greek and Roman cultures has been translated into different languages as “free”, “honest” or “straightforward” speech. Etymologically, the word parrhesia is made up of pan –everything– and rhema –that which is said– and means “to say everything”. Parrhesiazomai or parrhesiazesthai is to use parrhesia, and parrhesiastes is the one who uses parrhesia. This study will discuss Diogenes as a parrhesiastes and the role of this practice in the activity of philosophizing. For this purpose, it will firstly discuss what could be called parrhesia. Then, Sokrates’ way of using parrhesia will be highlighted together with the transformation of the meaning of the term by Cynics, the followers of Sokrates. Finally, abrief evaluation of the practices of Sokrates and Diogenes as parrhesiastes and the relationship between the punishments and the polis will take place. This study will mainly be based on Michel Foucault’s ideas.