Why can you only express other people’s opinions？ Socratic Philosophy

Introduction:

「Everyone! Let’s talk about Socratic philosophy today! Socrates was a wise man from ancient Greece who taught the importance of thinking. But his words seem a bit challenging, don’t they?

Don’t worry, we’ll explain it in a way that we can all understand by using concrete examples. Let’s dive into the world of Socratic thinking together!」

Main Text:

Socratic philosophy emphasized the pursuit of answers to any question and the deepening of one’s own thoughts. Let’s consider the question, 「What is knowledge?」

Socrates would ask people various questions and carefully listen to their answers.

Now, let’s think about knowledge. We believe that we know certain things, like how to ride a bicycle or that 2+2 equals 4. But Socrates says,

「To know that you know nothing is true knowledge.」

Wait, that doesn’t make sense, does it? Actually, Socrates sought to find deeper knowledge by questioning what we think we know.

But why did Socrates think about such things?

After all, we can live and have plenty of fun without pondering such matters. We don’t need to burden our minds with the act of thinking.

We don’t have to endlessly chase after the elusive truth, like a fluffy cloud.

To be honest, I don’t know why Socrates pursued truth in light of these considerations.

But for him, recognizing that 「to know that you know nothing」 was the first step in acknowledging that there is still much for us to learn. By confronting what we don’t know, we can deepen our knowledge.

Perhaps Socrates believed that this diligent approach was actually a shortcut.

Now, let’s try solving a problem using Socratic thinking. Let’s say we have the question, 「What is happiness?」 It may seem difficult at first, but with Socratic reasoning, we might find an answer. Let’s start by exploring our own thoughts.

When we think about 「What is happiness?」 various answers come to mind.

For example, eating delicious food, playing with friends, doing what we love, and so on.

However, Socrates had a more in-depth approach to the question, 「What do you think you should do to become happy?」 He would ask people this question and listen to their answers.

In response, Socrates would repeat further questions. He might ask, 「Is that really happiness?」 or 「Why do you think that is happiness?」 He would ask specific questions to make people think deeply.

Through this process, individuals could gain profound insights into their own happiness.

For instance, if someone believed that playing with friends made them happy, Socrates might ask, 「Why is playing with friends considered happiness?」 They might answer, 「Because it brings joy.」 But Socrates would continue to inquire.

「Why do you think it brings joy?」 And in doing so, people might realize, 「It’s because playing with friends makes me smile, and that’s why it brings happiness.」

Socratic thinking is a tool for deepening our own thoughts. By questioning, we can uncover the true meaning and reasons behind our answers.

One of Socrates’ famous statements is, 「The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.」 This statement symbolizes his approach to thinking.

By using Socratic thinking to confront the question, 「What is happiness?」 we might discover the essence and reasons for our own happiness.

Perhaps happiness is not found in material things but rather in inner contentment and joy.

Conclusion:

Socratic philosophy is a fantastic adventure that both adults and children can enjoy, as it allows us to explore our own thoughts and gain deep insights into even challenging questions.

By engaging in self-inquiry and confronting the unknown, we can discover new knowledge and the essence of happiness.

Everyone can embark on the pursuit of knowledge and happiness by thinking like Socrates. Let’s ask questions together and delve deeper into our own thoughts.

Some readers may have thought by this point,

“This approach requires time and effort, and frankly, it seems bothersome.”

However, as Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Therefore, by embracing curiosity and engaging in thoughtful reflection, we can embark on the path to knowledge and happiness.