Examined Life

Definition

The examined life is a concept attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, which emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, critical thinking, and a deep examination of one's beliefs, values, and actions. It is a philosophical approach that encourages individuals to continuously question and scrutinize their own lives, rather than simply accepting the status quo or societal norms without deeper consideration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Socrates believed that the unexamined life is not worth living, emphasizing the importance of constant self-reflection and the pursuit of wisdom.
2. The examined life involves a critical examination of one's beliefs, values, and actions, with the goal of aligning them with what is truly good and virtuous.
3. Socrates used the Socratic method, a form of questioning and discussion, to challenge the assumptions and beliefs of his interlocutors, leading them to a deeper understanding of the topic at hand.
4. The process of elenchus, or refutation, was a key part of Socrates' approach, as he would systematically expose the logical inconsistencies or contradictions in a person's beliefs or statements.
5. Socrates often aimed to induce a state of aporia, or perplexity, in his interlocutors, as a way to encourage them to re-examine their assumptions and engage in deeper philosophical inquiry.

Review Questions

• Explain how the examined life, as conceived by Socrates, relates to the Socratic method and the pursuit of wisdom.
  • The examined life, as conceived by Socrates, is intimately connected to the Socratic method of inquiry and the pursuit of wisdom. Socrates believed that the unexamined life is not worth living, emphasizing the importance of constantly questioning and scrutinizing one's own beliefs, values, and actions. The Socratic method, which involves a series of probing questions, is a key tool in this process, as it challenges individuals to re-examine their assumptions and engage in deeper philosophical reflection. Through this process of elenchus, or refutation, Socrates aimed to induce a state of aporia, or perplexity, in his interlocutors, which would then motivate them to further explore the topic at hand and strive for a more comprehensive understanding of the truth.
• Analyze how the concept of the examined life, as espoused by Socrates, differs from the uncritical acceptance of societal norms and beliefs.
  • The examined life, as conceived by Socrates, stands in stark contrast to the uncritical acceptance of societal norms and beliefs. Whereas many individuals may simply accept the status quo without deeper consideration, the examined life encourages a critical and self-reflective approach to one's own beliefs, values, and actions. Socrates believed that true wisdom and virtue could only be attained through a constant process of questioning and scrutinizing one's own assumptions, rather than blindly following the crowd or adhering to established traditions. The Socratic method, with its emphasis on elenchus and the induction of aporia, is a powerful tool in this process, as it forces individuals to confront the limitations of their own knowledge and engage in a more rigorous and comprehensive exploration of the truth.
• Evaluate the significance of the examined life in the context of Socrates' role as a paradigmatic historical philosopher, and discuss how this concept has influenced subsequent philosophical traditions.
  • The concept of the examined life is central to Socrates' legacy as a paradigmatic historical philosopher. By emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, critical thinking, and the pursuit of wisdom, Socrates established a philosophical approach that has had a profound and lasting impact on subsequent philosophical traditions. The Socratic method, with its focus on elenchus and the induction of aporia, has become a cornerstone of Western philosophy, inspiring generations of thinkers to question their own assumptions and engage in deeper, more rigorous inquiry. The examined life, as espoused by Socrates, has also influenced the development of various philosophical schools, from the Stoics to the Existentialists, who have built upon the idea of individual responsibility and the importance of self-scrutiny in the pursuit of a meaningful and authentic existence. Ultimately, the examined life remains a crucial and enduring concept in the history of philosophy, one that continues to challenge individuals to think critically about their own lives and the world around them.

Related terms

Socratic Method:

The Socratic method is a form of inquiry and discussion used by Socrates, where he would ask a series of questions to challenge the beliefs and assumptions of his interlocutors, with the goal of leading them to a deeper understanding of the topic at hand.

Elenchus:

Elenchus is the Socratic technique of refutation, where Socrates would systematically expose the logical inconsistencies or contradictions in a person's beliefs or statements, often leading them to acknowledge the limitations of their own knowledge.

Aporia: Aporia is a state of perplexity or puzzlement that Socrates often aimed to induce in his interlocutors, as a way to encourage them to re-examine their assumptions and engage in deeper philosophical inquiry.