Introduction
In recent years, the terms Socratic and critical have been used interchangeably to describe a mode of thinking that is questioning, probing, and reflective. While the two certainly overlap, they are not the same. In this essay, we will explore the different beliefs and connections between philosophy and the perspective of social issues. In addition, the study aims at providing insight into dialectic and outlining the differences between other conversations and Socratic dialogue. Socrates was a Greek philosopher who laid the groundwork for Western philosophy (Bjelde, 2021). The Greek philosopher is acknowledged to have developed the Socratic method, discussion, and inquiry aimed at revealing the truth. According to the Socratic method, an effective way to learn and understand something is to question it. Socrates believed that by asking questions, we could force ourselves and others to think more deeply about the issues.
Discussion
Dialectic, a type of reasoning where two persons with opposing viewpoints converse to discover the truth, is the foundation of the Socratic method. Dialectic differs from other forms of conversation because it is not simply a back-and-forth exchange of ideas. Rather, it is a process of inquiry in which each person tries to understand the other’s point of view and, in doing so, comes to a deeper understanding of the issue at hand (Mitchell, 2019). Socratic dialogue is a dialectic particularly well suited to exploring philosophical issues. This is because philosophy is not about getting the correct answer but about asking appropriate questions. By engaging in Socratic dialogue, we can force ourselves to think more deeply about the issues we are exploring and consider different viewpoints.
These two thinking methods are fundamental to understanding people’s beliefs about social issues. For instance, one belief that people have about social issues is that the government causes them. The Socratic method can be used to question this belief. Questions that could be asked include: What is the evidence that the government is the cause of social issues? What are the different ways that the government could be causing social issues? What are the consequences of the government being the cause of social issues? These questions can help us better understand the belief and see if it is true. In addition, the critical thinking method can also be used to analyze the belief that the government is the cause of social issues (Bjelde, 2021). Some questions that could be asked include: What are the assumptions that this belief is based on? What are the implications of this belief? What are the consequences of this belief? Thus, the Socratic and critical thinking methods are essential to explore different beliefs about social issues.
There is a big difference between having an opinion and having knowledge. Socrates illustrates this difference in Meno and The Republic. In Meno, Socrates talks with a slave who does not know geometry. The slave has an opinion about geometry, but he does not know. He cannot explain his opinion or answer Socrates’ questions about it. In The Republic, Socrates talks with people who have opinions about justice. They cannot explain their opinions or answer Socrates’ questions about them. But Socrates knows justice; hence, he can explain his opinion and answer questions about it. Socrates believed that knowledge is more significant than opinion. He believed knowledge could be proven true (Mitchell, 2019). An opinion is not necessarily true and cannot be proven. The perception of Socrates towards knowledge reveals its significance over an opinion since there is a higher likelihood of being true, thus making it more helpful while making decisions.
There is no certain truth that human beings can know. Individuals can only know what is true based on their experiences and perspectives. Our beliefs may be based on what we have been taught, but they are not necessarily true. We can only know what we know, which is subject to change. It is nearly impossible to obtain the perfect wisdom concerning various kinds of ideas explored by philosophers. In essence, the point of philosophy is not to achieve perfect wisdom but to explore different beliefs and perspectives to better understand the world and our place in it (Altorf, 2019). Philosophy helps us to question our assumptions and to think critically about the issues that matter to us. It is a journey of discovery, and the more we learn, the more we realize how much there is still to learn.
Conclusion
Socratic and critical thinking are essential tools for living a meaningful life. By critically examining our beliefs and perspectives, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it. Additionally, individuals can develop greater empathy for others and a better appreciation for different points of view. Philosophy is a discipline that can help us to think more critically about the world and our place in it. It aids people in connecting the dots between different social issues and thinking more deeply about the world and the place of humans in it. By understanding the root causes of social problems, we can develop more effective and lasting solutions.
References
Altorf, H. M. (2019). Dialogue and discussion: Reflections on a Socratic method. Arts and Humanities in Higher Education, 18(1), 60-75.
Bjelde, J. (2021). Knowledge is teachable. Mind. 10(4), 203.
Mitchell, H. B. (2019). Roots of wisdom, a tapestry of philosophical traditions. Cengage Learning.