#864 - Donald Robertson - The True Story Of History’s Greatest Philosopher
Modern Wisdom
Deep Dive
Why was Socrates considered history's greatest philosopher?
Socrates was seen as the first philosopher to bring philosophy down to earth and apply it to everyday matters, making it almost into a psychotherapy. He questioned the assumptions about morality that people around him were making, making him a controversial figure.
What is the Socratic method and how does it work?
The Socratic method involves asking people to define a concept, usually a virtue, and then challenging their definitions by thinking of exceptions to the rule they've given. This process helps people revise their definitions and think about concepts at a deeper level.
How did Socrates influence modern self-improvement psychology?
Socrates is seen as the great-great-granddaddy of cognitive behavioral therapy. His method of questioning and challenging assumptions is similar to the techniques used in modern cognitive therapy to help people overcome anxiety and depression.
What were the main principles of Socrates' philosophical worldview?
The core of Socrates' philosophy was the Socratic method, which aimed at training people to think and question things more profoundly. He believed the goal of life was to examine one's life continually every day, focusing on practical wisdom and moral wisdom.
How did Socrates' approach to justice differ from the prevailing views of his time?
Socrates believed that justice consisted in helping your friends and also helping your enemies by turning them into your friends, rather than just punishing or harming them. This approach was more about converting enemies into friends and avoiding making them worse enemies.
Why did Socrates choose to face his death with courage?
Socrates believed that the acts of injustice being inflicted on him couldn't harm his moral character, which was the most important thing to him. He thought that maintaining his integrity throughout life was more valuable than his physical life or reputation.
How did Socrates view the concept of 'know thyself'?
Socrates believed that self-knowledge is like an eye that sees itself. He thought engaging in philosophical dialogue with others was a mirror for our own soul, helping us understand our strengths and weaknesses, and come to know ourselves better.
What was Socrates' view on the relationship between anger and injustice?
Socrates held a radical view that injustice harms the perpetrator more than the victim. This perspective can help people not become as depressed when they perceive injustice in the world and might still object to it but respond to it differently emotionally.
How did Socrates influence the Stoic philosophers?
Socrates' example of facing death with courage was a cardinal example for Stoic philosophers like Epictetus, who used Socrates' fearlessness as an illustration of how to realize that it's our opinions that shape our fear, not the events themselves.
What challenges did Donald Robertson face in writing his book about Socrates?
Robertson found it challenging to condense the complex history of the Peloponnesian War, the life of Socrates as a philosopher, and modern psychology into a single book. He approached it by treating it like writing a movie screenplay, focusing on dramatizing the story of Socrates.
- Socrates constantly engaged in philosophical discussions.
- He questioned fundamental life questions with diverse individuals.
- His dedication made him a unique figure in philosophy.
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