Socrates Political View - Essay Example

Module Socrates Political View Socrates philosophical approach focuses on issues concerning human nature and human reality. The crucial issues that the theory addresses include justice, truth, courage, beauty, piety and knowledge. All his philosophical ideas on politics or other aspects of ethics and moral obligations are derived from three different perspectives written by his disciples; Plato, Xenophon and Aristophanes. The Socratic philosophical approach posits that the central subject matter of philosophy is the human being and virtues are viewed as a form of knowledge. Additionally, the approach posits that people do not commit evil intentionally and that they can explain the different accounts that have transformed their lives. Socrates is considered as the most revolutionary political theorist in the history of politics. Socrates believed in the ability of a man being superego. Plato posits, “in [his] investigation of the service of the god…that those who had the highest reputation were nearly the most deficient, while those who were thought to be inferior were more knowledgeable” (the Apology 26)” Notable among his declarations is that the wisest man is the one that knows that he knows not. Socrates argued that human happiness is the product of the ethical knowledge on how people should live and not on the basis of material possession and wealth. His political theory argues that governments should not act as merely powerful organizational entities; rather they should adhere to the ethical principles that enhance the culture of moral uprightness (Boucher and Kelly 30-41) The government’s role, according to Socrates, should be to cater for the common benefit of all citizens rather than discriminating individuals over adherence to societal rules. His association to political change and activism is related to the fact his ideas attracted enthusiastic admiration from the youths who ad participate in the political coup at Athens in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian war. He believed that ideals belong to a world that can only be understood by a wise man. This affirms his belief that philosophers can act as agents of virtuous and effective leadership. Plato affirms in the Republic that Socrates denounced the democracy that governed Athens during his time (Ladikos 73-88). Additionally, he objected to any regime that did not embrace the philosophical views of idealism. Although he supported the idea of the philosophers taking up leadership roles, he is cited in the Apology as having refused to pursue conventional politics claiming that he could not guide people how to live their lives when he was not sure of how to live his own. Plat quotes him as purporting, “You can be quite sure, fellow Athenians, that if I had long ago put my hands to political action, I would long ago have perished, and done no good, neither to you, nor for my own cause” (Apology 31d). His theory contributed to the change in the mode of telling the truth among political figures. This transformed the political set-up of Athens from the traditional discriminative to staunch democracy that embraced integrity. The political intrigues suggested by the theory is can be used to encourage people shift the philosophical foundations of their cultures and embrace transition. Some of the political malpractices that Socrates publicly denounced include wealthy aristocratic leaders who live on the pretext of democracy principles but are ready to revert into authoritarian rule if the populace revolts and a loyal class corrupted by the dreams of the past that declined to acknowledge that the Classical Age was outdated. Additionally, he could not stomach the leaders characterized by terror and incapable of making decisions for themselves e.g. Chaerephon who would rather seek the oracle’s view on Socrates rather than make his own judgment (Plato, Tredennick and Tarrant). The Greek political leadership is an exact representation of the modern leadership that hides their dictatorship tendencies in the name of democracy. Socratic political theory has presented ethical ways of thinking, speaking and interaction. The conversations that Socrates engaged rocked the foundations of the ancient leadership due to the sincerity aspect leading to reduction in wars and societal animosities. The theory has introduced the technique of question and answer in addressing issues affecting the society. This is an indication that political decisions based on the needs and ideas of the people. Socratic allusion presupposes that conversations should start with questions to verify the nature of the problem being addressed. For instance, Socrates questioned the role of politicians in addressing the nature of justice in the republic (Ladikos 73-88). Most remarkable factor is the realization that most of the people being asked these questions were convinced that they know the answers to the queries. However, continued interrogation and testing hypothesis led to the realization that their thinking was riddled with inaccuracy and contradictions. Similarly, most of the political elite think that they are applying the required ethical standards while the reality is opposite. Socrates’ assertion that no one does evil intentionally is because human beings always do what they perceive as good. Most do not care about the harm such actions causes to other people provided it is beneficial to their welfare or that of their colleagues. Some people may perceive the idea wrongly and use it to justify the harm they inflict on other people. However, this does not justify any wrong committed; it is realization that confused perception and ignorance can act as the source of evil. This political approach asserts that understanding an ethical deed is to practice it. Socrates did not claim to be knowledgeable than others, including the political elite he continually criticized. Instead, he gave people an opportunity to rate him. For instance, in the apology by Plato, he posits that he knows that he lacks wisdom. This portrays humbleness and accommodativeness that wise leaders should possess. Most of the current political institutions have been built on the premise of misleading and deceptive dogmas that members follow. Socratic political theory is a product of the conceptual ignorance that matured to unearth the truth. His view asserts that the political system should be an open system deficient of non-dogmatic program that enables the society to seek the truth themselves and rate their leaders keenly. Another meaningful allusion of the theory is the fact that the actual subject matter of philosophy is the focus on the human being. The theory asserts that all the institutions and systems affecting the human welfare should focus on individuals as the beneficiaries. However, most of the modern political systems ignore the needs and opinions of the citizens and instead focus on achieving personal goals. According to Lutz, and Swanson, the Socratic theory’s assertion that unexamined life is stressful implies that one should analyze, observe and inspect their lives carefully. He encouraged people to shun rationality through examining their lives. The attitude that a person possesses towards their lives or the lives of people around determines their performance in the duties related to upholding the human welfare. An arrogant attitude or an offensive characteristic negatively affects the formation of stable relationships with other people. The Socratic principle enables a person to be willing to analyze and interpret a different point of view without feeling threatened or humiliated. The approach teaches people to share their life experiences without being dogmatic, unchangeable, inflexible or gullible. Socrates alludes that a person’s character should rhyme with philosophy being applied in leadership or controlling the political institutions, which Plato & Jowett asserts that it lead to his trial and death of Socrates. Some of the accusations involve his failure to worship the god being worshipped by the state and the corruptions of the youths through infusing the spirit of criticism towards the Athenian government. He also refused to leave Athens although he had an opportunity because this could have compromised his moral principles and also an injustice to the state. Plato asserts, “Suppose you made me this offer: “Socrates, we won’t do as Anytus instructs us; we’ll let you go, but on this condition: no more running around in this search of yours; no more philosophy. If you’re caught doing it you’ll die.” Suppose you made me that offer. I’d answer you, “My fellow Athenians, I salute you, I love you, but I will obey god rather than you, and so long as I can breathe and am able I will not stop . . .” (Apology 29 cd).” This affirms that philosophical allusion is only credible if it is founded based on principles and standing by what one perceives to be right. The theory asserts that the political elite should be ready to embrace change. Socrates faced wide criticism, rejection and even death because of his convincing idea on change. The Theory’s idea of advocating for the freedom of expression led to the introduction of the dialectic argument method that was widely embraced by youths. This is currently applied in the political debates and legal battles. Socrates’ political theory is pertinent in streamlining the modern governance structures and introducing a culture of good governance in the modern political institutions. The theory advises people that life challenges are vehicles that propel the urge to investigate the root cause of the problems affecting our society. Analysis of the theory makes it clear that people possess the solutions to everyday problems. According to Boucher and Kelly, Socrates urges that the reformers in shaping the political and societal structures governing the community can apply the Socratic ethical principles. They have an obligation to adopt Socrates traits and boldly condemn any discriminatory directionless leadership. Enforcement of such measures requires a bold voice of reason ready to face even execution just like Socrates. Most of his conversations confirmed that there are many aspects of life that people ignore which could be pertinent in improving the societal structures. Socrates asserts that it is better to have an honest ignorance than a deceptive one. The leader may not be having honest answers to the questions that he asks other people but he should understand the self. This means that the wisdom that Socrates possessed was a product of self-knowledge and integrity. The philosophical lesson is for people to ask themselves if they truly know what they claim to know or it is just a matter of self-deception. Socrates’ philosophical perspective of the political mindset demonstrates that even the most respected leaders can fail to discern what is good and faulty. Application of the theory confirms that we are liable to commit mistakes especially if we ignore to note or reflect on the crucial aspects of our lives. Political ideologies and practices are characterized by such ignorance of the self and pride among leaders, as they do not own-up their mistakes leading to bad leadership (Lutz, and Swanson 934). The theory affirms that self-knowledge is crucial to the attainment of perfect social and personal life. The theory associates knowledge with virtue. This is contrary to how most people perceive virtue as an inherent or generic trait in a bid to cover up for their weaknesses. This affirms that virtue can be learned thus encouraging people to practice and teach virtues. One ought to assess his life because unexamined life is not worth living. The approach asserts that knowledge and wisdom should be sought before other private interests. The knowledge being sought should complement the virtuous nature of all human beings. This is especially crucial in issues related to ethics in leadership and political institutions. Although Socrates political concept may seem ideal, the foundation of ethics in politics is only achievable if we adhere to most of his views. His political view was also weak because he claimed to be on the pursuit of truth when he did not fully understand the meaning of truth. Socrates’ ethical intellectualism portrays a eudaemological trait. The approach affirms that doing the right contributes to true happiness. Happiness is achieved when a person’s true utility is achieved. Socratic approach is characterized by teleological character whereby the mechanistic explanation of the human behavior is always mistaken. The ethics posited by the Socratic philosophy can be applied in maintaining the ethical orientation of the society including the principles to be followed when dealing with political conflicts and disagreements. Socrates political paradigm views philosophical analysis of the human beings as an investigation of human concepts. This approach is also sympathetic of appeals to intuition and to the consideration of the logical possibility as relevant to the queries involving supervenience and causation. The political figures who use the concept apply it in confirmation of a wide range of queries and problems that faces humankind. Socrates believed in the use of logic. He posited that every policy on governance should be examined hypothetically to identify the intended achievement. Works Cited Boucher, David. & Kelly, Paul. J. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2009, pp. 30-41. Print. Ladikos, Anastasios. The Pursuit of Justice in Platos Republic. (2012), vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 73-88. Lutz, Mark J, & Swanson, Judith A. "Book Reviews - Political Theory - Socrates Education to Virtue: Learning the Love of the Noble." The American Political Science Review. 92.4 (1998): 934. Plato & Jowett, Benjamin. Apology. Champaign, Ill: Project Gutenberg, 1990. Web. 6 December, 2012. Print. Plato, Tredennick, Hugh. & Tarrant, Harold. The Last Days of Socrates. London: Penguin Books, 2003. Print. Read More