Based on Plato’s dialogue, Apology, (a) in what sense does Socrates claim to be wise? (b) Summarize and evaluate the value of the Socratic Method and Socratic wisdom and whether this method and attitude are valuable for a democratic society such as ours.
Sample Solution
n Plato’s Apology, Socrates claims to be wise in the sense that he is aware of his own ignorance. He says this when he attempts to answer a question about why he makes a living by philosophizing: “I am wiser than this man; it is likely that neither of us knows anything worthwhile, but he thinks he knows something when he does not, whereas when I do not know, neither do I think I know” (Plato). In other words, Socrates has an understanding and acceptance of his lack of knowledge on certain matters and encourages others to consider their own limitations with regard to understanding life’s questions.
Sample Solution
n Plato’s Apology, Socrates claims to be wise in the sense that he is aware of his own ignorance. He says this when he attempts to answer a question about why he makes a living by philosophizing: “I am wiser than this man; it is likely that neither of us knows anything worthwhile, but he thinks he knows something when he does not, whereas when I do not know, neither do I think I know” (Plato). In other words, Socrates has an understanding and acceptance of his lack of knowledge on certain matters and encourages others to consider their own limitations with regard to understanding life’s questions.
