SOCRATES

• The son of sculptor Sophronicus and midwife Phaenarete, Socrates received a traditional Greek education in music, gymnastics, and grammar during his childhood. Following in his father's footsteps, he initially pursued sculpture as a profession.
• Although Socrates left no written records of his own, his teachings are immortalized through the dialogues of his esteemed pupil, Plato. Living during Athens' Golden Age, Socrates is remembered for his relentless pursuit of moral enlightenment and his unwavering commitment to ethical principles.
• In 480 BC, Socrates perceived his duty as enlightening the people of Athens about their moral ignorance. He stood in stark contrast to the Sophists of his time, who claimed to possess knowledge that they could impart for a fee. Instead, Socrates advocated for the pursuit of knowledge for its intrinsic value, emphasizing the importance of ethical living over worldly gain.
• While interpretations of his teachings varied, it is evident that Socrates' primary concern was guiding individuals towards a virtuous and ethical life. His legacy endures as a testament to the enduring quest for moral understanding and the pursuit of excellence in human conduct.

1. Contributions of Socrates

• Philosophy Focused on the Human Realm:  Socrates revolutionized philosophy by shifting its focus from metaphysical, religious, and scientific matters to practical and political concerns. He advocated for an exploration of ethics and morality within the human domain, emphasizing the importance of understanding and improving human behaviour.
• Emphasis on Dialogue: Socrates popularized the method of dialogue, engaging in meaningful conversations with individuals about justice, righteousness, and virtue. This dialectical approach, known as the Socratic Method, prioritized interactive discourse over solitary contemplation. Through dialogue, Socrates inspired Athenian youth and students, laying the groundwork for modern philosophy, science, ethics, and social theory.
• The connection between Knowledge and Virtue: Socrates emphasized the connection between knowledge and virtue, asserting that ethical behaviour stems from understanding. He believed that a life worth living is one characterized by thorough examination and pursuit of ideals and virtues. Socrates advocated for an ethical foundation to guide judgments and actions, contending that knowledge of "the good" is essential for happiness. He equated knowledge of virtue with enlightenment, suggesting that individuals who comprehend the value of life would naturally choose morally upright actions.
• Belief in the Immortality of the Soul: Socrates espoused the belief in the immortality of the soul, viewing himself as a divine emissary tasked with challenging Athenians' flawed moral values. He urged people to prioritize the "welfare of their souls" over worldly pursuits, including family, career, and political responsibilities.
• Resolution of Conflicting Promises: In situations involving conflicting promises, Socrates advocated for prioritizing the promise with higher moral worth. For instance, during India's 2018-20 budget deliberations, where economic growth and social welfare were at odds, prioritizing the well-being of the people during the pandemic exemplified adherence to higher moral principles.
• Promotion of an Ideal Life: Socrates proposed that an ideal life should prioritize self-development, particularly the cultivation of kindness, virtue, justice, honesty, and friendship. By embodying these ideals, individuals can appreciate qualities such as love, friendship, courage, and truth to a greater extent, leading to a fulfilling and morally upright existence.