Socrates

Question 0

The Socratic method

Answer 0

Natural mode of interaction and part of his divine gift. Two interrelated parts:
Elenchus (interview) employing Socratic irony
Dialectic ( building conversation) process of question and answer in pursuit of knowledge. Regarding basic life questions

Question 1

Basics about him

Answer 1

No privileged education. Son of stone mason, soldier. Did not write. Saw man as a “universal being.” Master of rational argument. “Divinely spirited”

Question 2

Basic beliefs

Answer 2

The unexamined life is not worth living. valid principles of thought leading to the good life do exist.
Must be self reflective and know thyself

Question 3

Virtue as knowledge

Answer 3

We must pursue knowledge. “To know is to be virtuous”
Evil is a lack of knowledge
Knowledge=good.
Evil= ignorance
Intellect and morality are interrelated without insight one cannot be ethical

Question 4

Was he religious?

Answer 4

He did not follow an organize religion but believed in a higher realm and live by its bidding