what does Socrates say about ‘the self?’
Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, believed that true wisdom begins with understanding the self.
He believed that “the self” is not just the physical body, but more importantly, the soul and the mind. He taught that true knowledge and wisdom come from understanding oneself, which means knowing your “own” thoughts, beliefs, and values.
His famous quote, “Know thyself,” emphasizes that self-awareness is one of the keys to a peaceful and virtuous life. By observing and examining our inner selves, we can understand of right and wrong.
But why should we delve into the wisdom of this classical thinker? The answer lies in our quest to understand ourselves.
In today’s fast-paced world, his approach offers a timeless way to understand ourselves better and live more meaningful lives.
In this blog, we delve into the life of Socrates to better understand him, and most importantly, “ourselves.”
What is “The Socratic Method?”
One of the most enduring contributions to understanding the self is the Socratic method.
It involves asking open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking, draw out any underlying assumptions, and arrive at a more profound understanding of complex life issues.
Rather than simply providing answers, the Socratic Method leads people to discover the truth themselves through guided questioning, making the learning process more active and engaging.
Example Process:
- Questioning: The teacher or facilitator asks a broad, open-ended question.
- Exploration: Participants respond, and the facilitator asks further questions based on that, to dig deeper.
- Reflection: Participants are encouraged to reflect on their answers and consider different perspectives.
- Conclusion: Through this process, participants often arrive at a deeper understanding or new insights.
How to implement this method by yourself?
To implement the Socratic Method by yourself, start by choosing “the right” topic you want to explore. Then, ask yourself open-ended questions that challenge your assumptions and encourage deeper thinking.
For example, if you’re considering a career change, you might ask, “Why am I drawn to this new career? What are the potential risks and rewards?”
As you answer, continue questioning your responses to uncover underlying motives, potential contradictions, or overlooked factors. This process helps clarify your thoughts and leads to more informed decisions.
Understanding “the self”:
Socrates believed that true wisdom begins with self-knowledge. He argued that without self-awareness, people are likely to act based on ignorance or false beliefs, leading to poor decisions and unhappiness.
By constantly examining one’s inner life, individuals can align their actions with true values, beliefs, and thoughts.
For Socrates, self-knowledge was not just about knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses, but also about recognizing one’s ignorance. Acknowledging what we do not know is the first step toward gaining true understanding and wisdom.
Using the Socratic method in Real-Life:
Here’s how you can apply the Socratic method to understand yourself better:
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts and then ask yourself, “Why do I feel this way?” to uncover true feelings and motivations.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Your therapist might ask, “What evidence do you have that supports this belief?” This encourages us question negative thoughts and find more balanced perspectives.
- Leadership Training: Reflect on your decisions by asking, “Is this action aligned with my core principles?” This would help you make choices that are true to your values.
The Importance of Self-Examination:
Socrates’ profound statement, “An unexamined life is not worth living,” urges us to reflect on our actions and values. Without introspection, life lacks purpose and meaning.
“Self-Examination resonates with me as I constantly strive to make conscious choices and align my actions with my values. It is a difficult process as I have no choice left but to face the “extra stress” or “feel anxious” to find myself. If I want to become an exceptional individual, I must suffer happily.”
– Author of Ecares.
Immersing in the Wisdom of Others
Socrates advised, “Devote your time to learning from the writings of others, and you shall effortlessly gain what they have diligently toiled for.“
By studying the works of great thinkers, we can gain knowledge and wisdom that would otherwise take a lifetime to develop on our own. By engaging with the ideas of others, we expand our understanding and can apply this wisdom to our own lives.
“I like the idea of not knowing everything. It helps to empty my mind from all the unnecessary distractions and fill in all the beneficial knowledge lying before me. Certain people’s struggles resonate with me, and by paying attention to what they have to offer, it is most probable I learn more about myself and people.“
– Author of Ecares.
References:
- Plato’s Dialogues (e.g., “The Apology,” “Phaedo,” “The Republic”):
- Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics”:
- Modern Philosophy Textbooks or Encyclopedias:
- Scholarly Articles on Socratic Method
- Secondary Sources: Books and articles by contemporary philosophers or historians that interpret and analyze Socratic philosophy.
