Philosophy and the Examined Life - Essay Example

Philosophy and the Examined Life Philosophy involves the study of general human problems and tries to answer questions pertaining religion, existence, knowledge, reason and on every sphere of life. A philosophical attitude is critical to any life that is intelligently and uprightly lived because of the many benefits associated with it. A person who lives an examined life should seek genuine knowledge and not mere victory over his opponents since the knowledge acquired is the one, which is important. This is clearly elaborated in Socrates first dialogue with Euthyphro when he informs him that he is pursuing the case of murder involving his father who had subjected one of his workers to death. Euthyphro argues that justice should prevail regardless of the relations that exist since moral duty must prevail. This argument makes Socrates to ask him to define his understanding of moral duty where he responds by saying that moral duty is anything that is pious. He goes on to question him on his understanding of pious and is not able to define clearly the place of gods in moral duty (Plato & Jowett 76). This kind of conversation shows that a person should seek the truth and he should not be motivated by anything else other than the truth. A sound development of a philosophical attitude enables one to cultivate this habit of only seeking authentic knowledge. Philosophical approach enables a person to develop a sense of clear reasoning in all circumstances regardless of the consequences associated with the reasoning. Socrates in his dialogue “apology” after the jury has found him guilty of the accusations made against him goes on with his sound reasoning. He responds by clearly expressing his sense of reasoning, which was not evident in the rest including the court and his accuser Mellitus. Philosophy influences the actions of people in any society as seen in the life of Socrates who was able to influence Euthyphro when they met shortly before going to the court where he had been charged. Socrates was able to question him on his understanding of piety and justice ultimately influencing him to change his own beliefs. This kind of influence makes one to understand the universe better because it prompts him to ask questions rather than just believing everything the way it is presented. An intelligent person who has a philosophical attitude will not merely study various disciplines but will excel and probably come up with innovations, which are very fundamental in the life of a man. These innovations, which cannot be attained without one embracing a philosophical attitude, will contribute largely in improving the world and generally the standards of living (Ahrensdorf 156). Philosophical attitude enables a person who lives intelligently and morally to be passionate and zealous in his actions and be willing to spend all his possessions towards the advancement of what he beliefs in. This act of total surrender is depicted in Socrates dialogue with Crito when he came to visit him in prison after he was sentenced to death. Crito tried to persuade Socrates to accept his offer of assisting him to escape the death verdict but he gratefully declined it. Socrates argued that his level of loyalty and trust to the state judgments was very high and he could not go against the requirements of the law (Plato & Jowett 80). This type of belief that a person can hold onto up to the point of death can only be found in a person with a good philosophical approach to life issues. It is highly beneficial to any society since people will be able to hold on to their principles even when threatened with death and can go a long way in curbing most of the world’s problems. A person who commits himself to questioning the obvious beliefs upheld by the society will ultimately gain a lot of wisdom and insight, which cannot be attained in any other way. This is clearly demonstrated in the Socrates second dialogue known as “apology” where he systematically defends himself from the accusations made by his accuser. He says that he does not corrupt the youth nor does he disobey the gods but he is just in a process of seeking wisdom. His quest for wisdom landed him into trouble with the courts but it is clear that even if he was charged he had attained a lot of wisdom. Every person who embraces this tendency of seeking understanding through questioning of beliefs will ultimately gain understanding. He will get a clear understanding of the right moral values to uphold since he will be able to differentiate between what is beneficial and that is not. This will assist in eliminating the confusion of moral principles in the society and thus creating order in the values of the people (Gómez-Lobo 71) It is evident that a philosophical attitude is very beneficial to any person who devotes himself to live intelligently and morally upright. All people in the society should embrace this kind of approach since it is highly beneficial in solving most of the world’s current problems. In all institutions of higher learning, philosophy should be a core subject and should be taught by individuals who have a clear mastery of it and are passionate teaching it. This will inculcate the right approach to solving problems and approaching issues in life. Political leaders should also be encouraged to develop this kind of approach in all their undertaking as they govern the people. The society will be transformed completely when all the people embrace the approach. Work Cited Ahrensdorf, Peter J. The Death of Socrates and the Life of Philosophy: An Interpretation of Plato's Phaedo. Albany, N.Y: State University of New York Press, 1995. Print. Gómez-Lobo, Alfonso. The Foundations of Socratic Ethics. Indianapolis: Hackett, 1994. Print. Plato, and Benjamin Jowett. The Trial and Death of Socrates: Four Dialogues. New York: Dover Publications, 1992. Print.. Read More