Socrates
In the west, we take for granted our ability to simply question and discuss the state of things. We can very freely ask the question “why” in order to get to the truth. This feature of our culture is an anomaly in the history of humanity, yet it is what has led us to live such prosperous lives. It is widely accepted that this tradition, this feature stems from one man. His name: Socrates.
Socrates was an ancient Greek figure. Coming from Athens he is heralded as the father of western philosophy. He was made famous for his style of pursuing the truth. We know it now as a “Socratic Dialogue”. This is where multiple figures examine a problem with a simple questions and answers. It is where you look at a problem and simply ask the question “Why?”. It is, in my open, one of the most fundamental aspects which make us human. Have you ever told a small child something and started a never-ending chain of “why”? We are made to question. As children we are curious about the world. We search for truth as it is the highest good possible. Socrates in this way, retained his childlike wonder.
He, unlike any other famous philosopher never wrote a book and leaves behind nothing. Yet his influence on his students, Plato and Xenophon, is immortalized in their writings. They detail how Socrates would simply ask of people why, and never let up, continuing to chase them down a rabbit hole. This unusual and new style left such an imprint on his students that he has become, in many ways a religious figure for all western thought. Ironic as he advocated for people to seek truth themselves and ask questions so to not blindly follow.
Well, as we know in the west, the absolute pursuit of truth is dangerous to those who hold the power. In pursuing truth you can’t be controlled. In pursuing the truth, you can think for yourself and oppose those who reign over you. This is why the US Constitution outlines “Inalienable rights given by God” and why the Christian Bible tells us to fear God, and only God. It is so that we cannot be controlled or used by our fellow man.
They knew this over 2000 years ago, just as we do now. And so came the trial and execution of Socrates. The Athenian democracy found him guilty of “corrupting the youth” for his pursuit of truth. This “corrupting” was teaching them to be free thinkers. He was corrupting them against the dogma of the state. Is this not a good thing?
We at the Socratic Project believe, the western world, which was founded on these values, is at risk of succumbing to the powerful. That we are at risk of becoming controllable. So, we wish the follow in Socrates footsteps. We wish to “corrupt” the youth. We wish to teach the things which aren’t taught. We wish to open young minds to question and investigate. We wish to bring some of humanities best ideas back to the light of day and hopefully set us on a positive path again.
