The Value of Opheleia in Xenophon’s Oeconomicus

Abstract

This article portrays the unique position occupied by the notion of benefit (opheleia) in the philosophy of Xenophon’s Socrates. Apparently, opheleia was one of Socrates’ most frequently used ethical concepts, and its particular importance was emphasized in Oeconomicus. In Xenophon’s dialogue Socrates treats benefit as a value that forms the basis for true friendship, good family relations and especially so in marriage, proper professional attitudes, and thus for all the most important interpersonal contacts. Benefit is also presented as a true spiritual value that shapes the moral behaviour of the individual toward himself and others. It holds a prime place in Socrates’s ethics. As such a value, it must, however, be based on knowledge and proper moral behavior, especially in line with the demands of enkrateia.  It can therefore be ascertained that opheleia, equated also with the good and the beautiful, is strictly tied up with the most important concepts in Socrates’ philosophy, such as  knowledge, virtue, friendship and moral education and plays a  very essential part in his considerations.