Phil 1000 This course examines the historical development of western philosophy and philosophical problems concerning truth, reality, and values. Topics may include free will, God, meaning, identity, the good life, morality, argumentation and logic, knowledge, identity, social and political organization, some Eastern philosophy, and more. Skills of inquiry, argumentation and analysis are also developed.
The Socratic life and how to live it
Stacy Forden
Salt Lake Community College
Into to philosophy
Shannon Atkinson
6/22/2024
Have you ever found yourself sitting there, staring into blank air, pondering, "What have I done with my life? Have I done anything meaningful or worthwhile? What do I truly enjoy doing? Are these my own dreams, or have they been imposed upon me by my family or partners?" If any of these questions resonate with you, then you have touched upon the essence of the Socratic question of "The Unexamined Life." In this paper, I delve into what this Socratic question entails, its relationship with the concepts of Psyche, Techne (Art of Skill), Virtue as excellence of function, and Socrates' view of intellectualism. Furthermore, I will critically examine whether Socrates' use of these concepts effectively guides individuals in understanding themselves and leading examined lives.
The first concept to explore is Psyche, encompassing the mind and soul according to Socrates. He states that the Psyche is not merely the seat of emotions or thoughts but the core of our individuality and rationality. It distinguishes humans from other beings by granting us the capacity to reason and reflect on what is morally right and true to ourselves. Socrates urges individuals to move beyond conformity and societal pressures, advocating for a deeper exploration of why we make certain decisions and what principles guide our actions. By engaging in this introspective process, Socrates contends, we can uncover our genuine beliefs and values, ultimately achieving self-knowledge—a central tenet encapsulated in the ancient Greek saying "Know Thyself" (Soccio, 102).
Moving on to the concept of Techne, or the Art of Skill, Socrates underscores the importance of acquiring specialized knowledge and expertise in one's chosen pursuits. Imagine entrusting a surgeon with your life during open-heart surgery; you would rightfully expect that they have undergone rigorous medical training and perfected their surgical techniques through diligent practice. Similarly, competence in any profession or craft requires a disciplined approach to learning and mastering skills. However, Socrates emphasizes that Techne alone is insufficient without the guiding principle of Virtue. He defines Virtue as not merely an adherence to moral norms but a profound understanding of what constitutes morally good conduct. According to Socrates, individuals often commit wrongful actions not out of malice but due to ignorance or misunderstanding of their moral duties. Therefore, true Virtue entails introspection and self-examination—delving deep into one's psyche to discern what is morally right and just. Only through this process of self-reflection can individuals cultivate both Techne and Virtue, aligning their actions with their true selves and fulfilling their ethical responsibilities (Soccio, 102).
According to Socrates, you can have neither Techne nor Virtue without intellectualism—the knowledge of wisdom. He explains intellectualism by saying that no one who knows they are doing something wrong could possibly then do the wrong things. An example of this would be a Christian who follows the word of Jesus Christ but is also very cruel and unkind. It would be expected that this person had never actually read the words of Jesus and is not educated on his beliefs and the way that he saw the world. If he had read the word, then he would not be able to be unkind and cruel. It is only when we do not have the knowledge of good that we do bad, according to Socrates (Soccio, 111).
The Unexamined Life
Now that I have gone over Socrates' concepts, we can delve into his statement that "The unexamined life is not worth living" (Socrates). It would be impossible to ponder any of the above concepts without first taking a good look at your life and who you are. If one does not examine their life, then they would just walk around aimlessly without any passion, motivation, or reason to get up and live another day. It would be easy to be manipulated and made to believe that someone else’s way of living life would be the best way for them also. It is a dangerous and depressing thing to not know yourself in this way. Not to say that getting here is easy. It takes hard work and dedication in understanding yourself and motivation to be able to live the examined life that Socrates so wishes for all of us.
I personally have been trying to do this work all of my life, and I feel like this work is truly never done. Since individuals are always changing and everything in our lives is changing, I think it is impossible to ever truly completely know ourselves. I think it is possible, in a moment or a period, to have a clear understanding of who you are and how you want to live your life, but sometimes circumstances change that. For example, I used to compete in competitive pole fitness. I ate, slept, and dreamed of pole dancing. It was who I was; it controlled and influenced every single part of my life. If asked who I was 10 years ago, I would have said I was a pole dancer and not much more than that. It was not until a few years later that I realized this was not going to be a lifelong career, and I needed to make a pivot to discover other aspects of myself through examining my life and who I was. This exploration led me to discover my love for helping people, which has led me to pursue careers in massage therapy, master esthetics, direct care professional roles, and ultimately become an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Without sitting down and really examining my life and who I was after my pole dancing career, I would not be embarking on a new profession that truly resonates with me.
Know Thyself
According to Socrates the term “Know Thyself” means that it is important to have a full understanding of who you are. This part comes after examining your life. Knowing yourself is the only real way to be happy unless you are faking your happiness or following someone else’s. This is the last and most important step in Socrates’ process. In order to “Know Thyself” you need to have self-awareness and self-understanding. It takes hard work and dedication to deep self-awareness.
Reflecting on the world today reveals a pervasive emphasis on superficial desires and pursuits. Socrates, known for his emphasis on introspection, virtue, and the examined life, would likely disdain many facets of contemporary society. He would view phenomena such as social media, the obsession with status and appearance, and the idolization of celebrities as shallow and devoid of true substance.
It is easy to observe the prevalence of these superficialities in modern life. Social media platforms, for instance, often prioritize image, popularity, and external validation over genuine self-reflection and meaningful connection. The constant pressure to maintain an idealized persona with likes and followers can lead individuals to define themselves based on the superficial rather than engaging in introspection to understand their true selves.
We have even taken it so far to ranking one another based on social status, wealth, or online influence this would likely trouble Socrates deeply. He believed that true virtue and worth stem from inner qualities and ethical conduct, not from superficial reasons of success or popularity. The pervasive culture of comparison and competition, fueled by societal pressures and media influences, detracts from the pursuit of genuine self-discovery and moral growth. This is the rat cage we are all living in. Stuck on a wheel constantly chasing success and wealth. Unplugging from all these distractions and learning to love yourself is the only solution to this problem.
In conclusion, Socrates' assertion that "The unexamined life is not worth living" resonates deeply in today's world. It urges us to break free from societal distractions and social media and delve into introspection, seeking to understand ourselves fully. Embracing Socratic principles of self-awareness, moral excellence, and intellectual pursuit can guide us towards a more meaningful life. By engaging in this ongoing journey of self-discovery and ethical contemplation, we honor Socrates' call to lead examined lives, grounded in true understanding and virtue.
References
Kemerling, G. (n.d.). Socrates. http://www.philosophypages.com/ph/socr.htm
Shannon Atkinson, class notes, (2024)
Soccio, Douglas J., Archetypes of Wisdom, an Introduction to Philosophy. Cengage Learning, 2010.
Reflection on Writing About Socrates and the Examined Life
Working on the paper about Socrates and the concept of "The Unexamined Life" has been a deeply introspective and rewarding process for me. Reflecting on Socrates’ ideas has not only enhanced my understanding of classical philosophy but also prompted significant personal insights that extend beyond the classroom. The decision to write about Socrates and his views on the examined life stemmed from a personal curiosity about how ancient philosophical concepts can illuminate contemporary issues. Socrates' assertion that "The unexamined life is not worth living" challenged me to think critically about the nature of self-examination and its relevance in modern life. This paper was not merely an academic exercise but a journey into understanding how these timeless ideas apply to our personal experiences and societal behaviors.
One of the most profound insights I gained from this assignment was the importance of continuous self-reflection. Socrates’ emphasis on the Psyche, Techne, and Virtue encouraged me to evaluate my own life and the motivations behind my choices. In particular, his concept of the Psyche as the core of our individuality and rationality resonated with me deeply. It made me question whether my own aspirations and decisions are genuinely my own or influenced by external pressures. For instance, reflecting on Socrates' idea that we must examine our actions to align with our true selves led me to reconsider how I have defined success and fulfillment. The shift from a career focused solely on competitive pole fitness to pursuing roles in helping professions, such as massage therapy and occupational therapy, was a direct result of this introspection. It became clear that my values had evolved, and understanding this transition helped me appreciate the importance of aligning my professional path with my deeper passions and abilities.
This paper reinforced the notion that philosophical inquiry is not just about understanding abstract ideas but about applying them to real-life situations. Socrates’ principles of self-examination and intellectualism are not confined to historical contexts; they have practical implications for how we live our lives today. The process of writing this paper improved my ability to critically analyze my own beliefs and decisions, a skill that is invaluable both academically and personally.In terms of broader education, the paper highlighted the importance of integrating theoretical knowledge with personal experience. It demonstrated that learning is most impactful when we can relate abstract concepts to our own lives and understand their practical relevance. This approach to education—linking theory with practice—has enriched my overall learning experience and deepened my appreciation for the value of philosophical inquiry.
Socrates’ call to live an examined life has profound implications beyond academic study. It encourages a lifestyle of ongoing self-assessment and growth. In a world increasingly dominated by superficial measures of success, such as social media metrics and material wealth, Socrates’ philosophy serves as a reminder of the importance of inner values and ethical integrity. This reflection has made me more mindful of the distractions and pressures that can lead one away from genuine self-understanding and fulfillment. Moreover, the exploration of Socratic concepts has fostered a greater sense of self-awareness and authenticity in my life. Recognizing the value of examining my own motivations and aspirations has empowered me to make more informed and meaningful choices. It has also reinforced my commitment to living a life aligned with my true self, rather than conforming to external expectations or superficial standards.
In summary, writing this paper on Socrates and the examined life has been a transformative experience. It has provided me with valuable insights into both classical philosophy and my own personal growth. By engaging deeply with Socratic principles, I have gained a better understanding of the importance of self-examination and the practical applications of philosophical ideas. This process has not only enhanced my academic knowledge but also contributed to my broader personal development, offering a more profound appreciation for living a life of purpose and authenticity. I am proud of the reflections and growth that emerged from this assignment and look forward to applying these insights to both my academic pursuits and everyday life.