The Quiet Philosopher :

                       Socrates 

This blog is written as part of the Sunday Reading task given to us by Professor Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. The purpose of this task is to deepen our engagement with literature and critical thought by reading selected materials and then responding to them through blog writing. This initiative encourages us to build consistent creading habits and sharpen our analytical skills by reflecting on what we’ve read.

Who Was Socrates? The Father of Western Philosophy

Socrates (469–399 BCE) is one of the most iconic and influential philosophers in history. Though he left behind no written works of his own, his ideas and teachings shaped the very foundation of Western thought. His method of questioning, search for truth, and fearless devotion to ethics continue to inspire thinkers, teachers, and seekers of wisdom today.

Life of Socrates:

Born: c. 470 BCE in Athens, Greece

Died: 399 BCE (executed by hemlock poison)

Occupation: Philosopher, teacher...

Famous For: Socratic Method, Ethical Philosophy, Influence on Plato and Aristotle

Socrates lived during a time of great political change in Athens. He served in the military, lived simply, and spent his days discussing big questions in the marketplace. Unlike the Sophists of his time, he didn’t charge money for teaching. His goal was not fame, but truth.

Core Philosophical Ideas of Socrates:

A. "Know Thyself"

He believed self-knowledge is the first step to wisdom. If you know yourself, you understand your values and actions better.

B. Virtue Is Knowledge

To Socrates, doing wrong is the result of ignorance, not evil intent. Therefore, if people truly knew what was right, they would do it.

C. The Soul Is More Important Than the Body

Material success was meaningless to Socrates. He believed we must care for our souls and moral health above all.

Modern Lessons from Socrates:

The Death of Socrates:

Plato’s Phaedo describes Socrates’ final moments:

He calmly drank the poison.

As it spread, he spoke about the soul’s immortality and the hope of a 

philosopher’s death.In a world of social media and fake news, Socratic questioning helps find truth.

Listen Actively: Socrates taught that good dialogue begins with listening.

Be Humble: “I know that I know nothing” is a reminder to stay open-minded.

The Defense Speech – “Apology”:

Socrates gave no emotional pleas or apologies during his trial. His defense, as recorded by his student Plato in the dialogue Apology, is a powerful example of integrity.

Key Points in His Defense:

He claimed ignorance: “I know that I know nothing.”

He said he was guided by a divine inner voice, or "daimonion," which never told him what to do, only warned him when something was wrong.

He viewed his role as a social gadfly: “I am that gadfly which God has attached to the state."

The Death of Socrates:

Plato’s Phaedo describes Socrates’ final moments:

He calmly drank the poison.

As it spread, he spoke about the soul’s immortality and the hope of a philosopher’s death.

Conclusion:

 A Voice That Still Speaks...

Socrates died thousands of years ago, but his voice still speaks through Plato’s dialogues, through every student who dares to question, and through every teacher who encourages free thought.

His trial teaches us that society may punish the truth-teller, but history remembers them as heroes.

Reference:

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              Khushi parmar, MA English, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar.