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Simon
Historical Figure
Nationality: Athens
Year of Birth: 5th Century BCE
Year of Death: Unknown
Occupation: Shoemaker, Tradesman, Philosopher, Author of Non-Fiction
Fictional Appearances:
"The Daimon"
POD: 415 BCE
Type of Appearance: Direct

Simon the Shoemaker (ancient Greek: Σίμων Ἀθηναῖος, σκυτοτόμος; c. late 5th century BCE) was an associate of Socrates in Athens, and a 'working-philosopher'. He is known mostly from the account given in Diogenes Laërtius' Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers. He is also mentioned in passing by Plutarch and Synesius; a pupil of Socrates, Phaedo of Elis, is known to have written a dialogue called Simon. Given his relatively minor role in those writings, and his absence in the works of Plato, Xenophon, and Aristophanes, the primary sources on the life of Socrates, Simon's historicity has been called into question.  

Simon the Shoemaker in "The Daimon"[]

Simon the Shoemaker was not a political person. He neither supported nor opposed Alkibiades' taking power in Athens, but continued his normal work.[1]

References[]

  1. See, e.g., Atlantis and Other Places, pg. 195, HC.
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