Socrates and Western Philosophy

SOCRATES

• Father of Western philosophy; emphasized self-reflection and critical thinking for truth and wisdom.
• Famous for the assertion that "the unexamined life is not worth living."
• Encouraged questioning of beliefs and assumptions through dialogue; the goal of philosophy is "Know thyself."
• Believed self-knowledge eradicates misery and is essential for enlightenment and bliss.
• Knowledge of oneself is obtained via the Socratic Method, which involves dialogue between the soul and itself or a student and teacher.

PLATO

• Proposed that the self consists of two elements: rational soul and irrational appetites.
• Used the charioteer metaphor, with the rational soul as the driver controlling two horses: reason and desire.
• Argued that true knowledge stems from the rational soul's quest for truth and virtue, contrasting with ignorance led by irrational appetites.
• Advocated a dualistic perspective, distinguishing between an immaterial soul and material body, with the soul apprehending forms.
• Highlighted the social aspect of human nature, emphasizing interdependence and benefits of friendships.
• Divided the soul into three parts: reason, appetite, and will; mental conflict arises when these parts are out of balance.

ARISTOTLE

• Believed the self is a harmonious integration of reason, emotion, and perception, advocating for eudaimonia (flourishing) through balance.
• Stressed self-awareness as crucial for moral and intellectual growth, helping individuals recognize strengths and weaknesses.
• Defined the soul as the essence of a living being, rejecting its separate existence from the body.
• Used the analogy of a knife, arguing that its essence (cutting) has no existence beyond its physical function.
• Asserted that humans possess bodies for the purpose of rational activity, which defines their essence.

ST. AUGUSTINE

• Merged Christian theology with philosophical inquiry, exploring the flawed nature of the self due to original sin.
• Original sin stems from Adam and Eve's disobedience, with the possibility of redemption through divine grace.
• Emphasized faith, humility, and moral transformation as key to understanding the self.
• Recognized the struggle between earthly desires and spiritual fulfillment, highlighting the conflict between flesh and spirit.
• Illustrated humanity's fragility alongside a hopeful perspective on divine forgiveness and redemption.

RENÉ DESCARTES

• Proposed a dualistic view distinguishing mind and body, laying groundwork for modern philosophical thought.