Against the trend set by the Sophists and the relative neglect of the subject by his philosophical predecessors, Socrates sought to understand what virtue is, so that he could lead a virtuous life. Philosophy has vigorously pursued the study of good and bad, right and wrong, ever since. Socrates also brought philosophy into the public arena. Previous philosophers had labored largely in small groups of like-minded people. The Pythagorean philosophy amounted to a religious cult, and its doctrines were strictly secret. Unfortunately, since Socrates, philosophy has once again been confined mainly to the schools and has little public presence. One of the most important of Socrates' contributions was his demand for clarity in the use of concepts. He refused to debate concrete issues surrounding a concept until it was clear exactly what his interlocutor was talking about. His method was to examine proposed accounts critically, always looking for new ones when what was proposed went down in flames in the face of his objections. Most of the time, no good account could be found before the discussion ended. Perhaps for this reason, Socrates professed skepticism, claiming to know only of his own ignorance. He has been an inspiration to skeptical thinkers who have been dissatisfied with prevailing points of view.
16.3.09
Plato Part 24 - Socrates' Contributions to Philosophy
Against the trend set by the Sophists and the relative neglect of the subject by his philosophical predecessors, Socrates sought to understand what virtue is, so that he could lead a virtuous life. Philosophy has vigorously pursued the study of good and bad, right and wrong, ever since. Socrates also brought philosophy into the public arena. Previous philosophers had labored largely in small groups of like-minded people. The Pythagorean philosophy amounted to a religious cult, and its doctrines were strictly secret. Unfortunately, since Socrates, philosophy has once again been confined mainly to the schools and has little public presence. One of the most important of Socrates' contributions was his demand for clarity in the use of concepts. He refused to debate concrete issues surrounding a concept until it was clear exactly what his interlocutor was talking about. His method was to examine proposed accounts critically, always looking for new ones when what was proposed went down in flames in the face of his objections. Most of the time, no good account could be found before the discussion ended. Perhaps for this reason, Socrates professed skepticism, claiming to know only of his own ignorance. He has been an inspiration to skeptical thinkers who have been dissatisfied with prevailing points of view.
