Socrates – An Introduction

On By southwerkIn ethics

This is just delicious fun. This is an intriguing, sometimes funny, brief introduction of Socrates.

James Pilant

2 thoughts on “Socrates – An Introduction”

  1. Andrew's avatar Andrew

    I’ve never been a big fan of Socrates based on the dialogues of him that were described in Platos works.

    Not only did Socrates ask “leading questions”, but he also seemed to have a habit of putting words in the opponents mouths. He was also very liberal in the way he twisted and manipulated the language of an argument to fit his positions. This, in my opinion, seems like a less than honest way of philosophizing. He was little different than the Sophists that he argued with. He just happened to be better and trickier than they were.

    This is why I prefer Aristotle to Socrates. Aristotles surviving works are, more or less, transcripts of many of his lectures. Because of this, the language is much plainer and more straightforward. He seemed much more honest and down to earth in his philosophizing. I think that reflects in his ideas. Most of his works on ethics and politics are still very much relevant to this day. I think that it was his insight into people and the way people interact that led to his genius in those areas.

    Interesting video though. Thanks for posting!

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  2. I think Socrates was mean. I often felt that people who were genuinely trying to do well were abused by him for not being able to define their terms!
    I prefer Aristotle too.
    jp

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