Dialogue and Discovery: A Study in Socratic Method (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780887063374)

This book examines the Socratic method of elenchus, or refutation. Refutation by its very nature is a conflict, which in the hands of Plato becomes high drama. The continuing conversation in which it occurs is more a test of character than of intellect. Dialogue and Discovery shows that, in his conversations, Socrates seeks to define moral qualities--moral essences--with the goal of improving the soul of the respondent.

Ethics underlies epistemology because the discovery of philosophic truth imposes moral demands on the respondent. The recognition that moral qualities such as honesty, humility, and courage are necessary to successful inquiry is the key to the understanding of the Socratic paradox that virtue is knowledge.

The dialogues receiving the most emphasis are the Apology, Gorgias, Protagoras, and Meno.

Author: Kenneth Seeskin
ISBN-10: 0887063373
ISBN-13: 9780887063374
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Language: English
Published: 01/02/1987
Pages: 179
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.86lbs