Listening, Phronein and the First Principle of Happiness

In this paper I investigate the meaning of the Greek verb phronein (φρονεῖν) – which Goldhill translates as “to be of a particular disposition of mind” (133) – and its relation to today’s philosophical education practices. In today’s classrooms, thinking is often conceived of and taught as “rational thinking", but as I will argue, it encompasses much more, including listening and practical wisdom. I begin by offering a brief history of Attic drama in order to shed light on its pedagogic properties. I will then discuss the notion of phronein in Antigone (442 B.C.) as the first principle of happiness (εὐδαιμονία) according to Sophocles. I do this by analysing contributions by Haimon and the chorus, and by relating their use of the word phronein to Aristotle’s understanding of phronesis as a form of practical wisdom. Inspired by Erasmus’ De Pueris statim ac liberaliter instituendis (1541), I then attempt to highlight the importance of listening as an attitude of mind (phronein) that expedites listening and may be achieved by studying the tragic example of Kreon. I close by briefly relating these concepts to today’s educational philosophical practices, and show how they may contribute to the cultivation of phronein.