The Mysterious Socrates (An analysis of what makes Socrates an intriguing character) Socrates will always be a man of great importance to modern society. A.E. Taylor regards Socrates an important man for understanding and introducing questions and ideas that had never been asked before. “Natural and moral philosophy are still far from having answered these questions with finality, and even further from having escaped the necessity of asking them. The unique greatness of Socrates lies in the fact that he was the first man in the world to raise them with the clear understanding of what he was doing” (Taylor). Extensive studies have been conducted regarding his position on a number of things. Cross analysis of accounts we have of Socrates …show more content…
153). Instead of getting equally upset and defensive, Socrates responds calmly and asks Thrasymachos to explain himself further. This calm collectiveness in almost unhuman. Socrates almost seems devoid of human emotion. This attitude and persona is so unusual in humans of all ages, but especially in the older generations. Lit Finder’s biography on Socrates addresses his collective behavior when facing accusations in Apology. “It is unlike every other speech of its class, because of its absolute calmness, the blending of quiet humor with its seriousness, and the almost superhuman superiority Socrates shows in it to the judges whom be was addressing. He speaks to them as if they were the little children of his own family, whom in all kindness he was giving a lesson in the conduct of life” (Socrates). Socrates knows he is innocent, yet instead of getting frustrated at their blindness, he treats it as an opportunity to teach. Socrates delivers his ‘defense’ with such poise and collectiveness, one could wonder if he has emotion at all. His continued indifference make Socrates an intriguing …show more content…
Over the course of Republic, Socrates offers many points for consideration and asks many questions, but gives few opinions and even fewer answers. As previously discussed, Socrates lack of clear opinions makes him an intriguing character to consider. However, Socrates reasoning and methods behind this questioning also makes him a character of interest. Socrates uses what will later be called the Socratic Method. In an examination of the Socratic method, Nelson defines said term as “The Socratic method, then, is the art of teaching not philosophy but philosophizing, the art not of teaching about philosophers but of making philosophers of the students” (Nelson). Nelson explains that Socrates goal is to install the same inquisitive attitude into the young men he speaks with. The questions Socrates asks and the vague responses he gives are meant to make the listeners, or readers, think for themselves and come to their own conclusions. “Then,” said I, “Suppose we should see its justice, too, in the making, and the