In class when asked who would be a modern day Socrates I couldn’t think of anyone that would fit the role. Even at home as I pondered on the question I couldn’t come up with a satisfying answer. My reason was that Socrates was a person that always asked questions in order to get people to truly think and look deep inside for an answer. Socrates would operate in this matter because he wanted everyone to think for themselves instead of him having to tell them want to think. He also wanted people to come to their own conclusions. In today’s society it seems to me that there are more people that care about being right and go around their day correcting people when they make a mistake. Imagine if someone tells you that you are doing something wrong or that you are wrong. Naturally you become defensive and begin to argue with the person which leads nowhere and benefits no one. How ever if a person came up and asked a question like why you do what you’re doing, you just try an answer the person’s question the best way you can. This is what Socrates would do in his time, but in this time period I think that there is not only one person that could be like Socrates.
I believe that everyone has different parts that put together would make a good representation of Socrates. For example students ask questions in order to understand things that they are confused about. Now only if the questions would slightly changed in format it could be a question that would make the person think about the answer they are about to give and if what they are saying holds any truth.
Teachers are another example of a good characteristic Socrates had. Teachers try to their best abilities to help students comprehend information that is new to them. Also they help students to become more independent and think for themselves so they look for answer on their. Socrates never really told anyone what to think or what to do instead he would lead them to an answer through questions. Some teachers are able to this but I think it takes a good amount of skill to ask a question that really requires a person to think about their answer and see if they agree with their answer.
In conclusion I think there is no modern day Socrates but that we all have characteristics of Socrates. In trying to build on these characteristics we can all be able to learn from each other and find answers to questions that we might have.
I think that it's deeply important to grasp what you said about socrates and his method. Tearing down people's ideas and telling them that they're wrong is like killing people for peace. It ultimately does not have the effect of making people reconsider their ideas organically; rather it forces them in to a situation where they have to examine them to defend themselves. The only way to bring about change in a person's ideas and to honestly help them in their journey is to ask questions. Negative statements and energy will only foster more negative energy.
ReplyDeleteYea I agree with what Colin said. It wasn't Socrates method to argue or just point out faults. He manipulated people to do so. But I'm pretty sure shem understood that. I think he just awkwardly worded some things. I understand what you mean. It took me forver to think of someone. No one is deep anymore :P
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