ABSTRACT
The first great names in the Western philosophical tradition, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, use the figure of the hero Achilles in different ways and for different reasons. This chapter discusses a well-known story, Zeno of Elea's paradox popularly known as "Achilles and the tortoise". It presents the ethical and philosophical debates on which Achilles sheds light, it is easy to understand the fascination that the Iliad continues to exert far beyond the purely literary sphere. The chapter also presents the comparison between Achilles and Socrates. One could add that Socrates thought a life without philosophy and reflection was not worth living, just as a life without Patroclus was unbearable for Achilles. Socrates adapts the Homeric passage he cites to suggest that Achilles was driven by justice rather than revenge. Plutarch focuses on an essential matter, the ability to prevent and control anger, and for this he offers the wrathful Achilles as an example.
