Phaenarete

Phaenarete (Greek Φαιναρέτη), wife of Sophroniscus, was the mother of the Greek philosopher Socrates and his half-brother, Patrocles. (Since Sophroniscus had died before 424 BC, he was probably Phaenarete's first husband, while Chaeredemus, father of Patrocles, was her second.) The name Phaenarete means "She who brings virtue to light".

Very little is known of the life of Phaenarete. In Plato's Theaetetus, Socrates compares his own work as a philosopher with hers as a midwife. Albert Schwegler writes of Socrates: "his office was rather to help others bring forth thoughts than to produce them himself...[and] he took upon himself to distinguish the birth of an empty thought from one rich in content."

In Xenophon's Memorabilia, Socrates' respect for the role of motherhood is amply demonstrated in his discussion with his eldest son Lamprocles. Socrates takes an aggressive stance towards his son, saying: "You are displeased at your mother, although you well know that whatever she says, she not only says nothing with intent to do you harm, but that she wishes you more good than any other human being." Tradition holds that Lamprocles has every reason for resentment, and also that the Memorabilia is an excellent guide to the arguments used against Socrates in his lifetime; carefully answering each in turn with a quote or anecdote. This appears to be the primary purpose of the Memorabilia. It is possible to guess, then, that Socrates' opponents had cited his poor or distant relationship with his wife and or mother, and that Xenophon was concerned to counter this; with an anecdote showing Socrates did have great respect, at least, for the role of mothers held in society. The particular actions of Phaenarete are never defended.