In this article I will argue that Socrates does not generally benefit those he questions, but that his activity is nevertheless useful and justified. I will argue that Socrates' cross-examinations are justified and useful because it is a divine mission and because it develops critical thinking skills. I will first discuss my thesis, using the dialogues of the Apology and Euthyphro to show the usefulness and justification of Socrates' elenchus. Second, I will suggest objections to the reasons why Socrates' elenchus is useful and justified. Finally, I will refute the objections to Socrates' elenchus. I think it is important to first explain Socrates' divine mission. Chairephon, a friend of Socrates, went to the Oracle at Delphi and asked if there was anyone wiser than Socrates. The Oracle stated that no one was wiser than Socrates. Socrates reflected on the Oracle's proclamation that he was the wisest person (The Apology 21a). Socrates tried to find someone who was wiser than him but failed. Socrates realized that he was the wisest person because he was the only person aware of his own ignorance (The Apology 23b). Socrates interpreted this as a sign that the gods had a mission for him. Socrates thought that the gods wanted him to make others aware of their ignorance. Socrates thought that not only was he carrying out a divine mission, but he was also doing Athens a great favor (The Apology 30b). Socrates thought he was helping the Athenian citizens to consider the state of their souls and not wealth and power (The Apology 30b). What I think Socrates was trying to help the Athenian citizens was to develop their critical thinking skills. Socrates' list is useful because... middle of paper... ignorance. Once people become aware of their ignorance, they can try to conduct an elenchus on their own. By conducting their own elenchus, people would most likely begin to develop critical thinking skills. Ultimately, the elenchus would be useful and justified because it helps complete Socrates' divine mission. In conclusion, although Socrates did not benefit the people he questioned, his actions were still useful and justified. By showing that reason should be what influences thought and action, Socrates' elenchus can be seen to be useful as it shows how people should think critically about the different positions that are presented to them and which they think are right . I think Socrates' list is justified because by studying and using it people will become aware of their own ignorance by developing critical thinking skills.

Topic > In this article I will argue that Socrates does not generally benefit those he questions, but that his activity is nevertheless useful and justified. I will argue that Socrates' cross-examinations are justified and useful because it is a divine mission and because it develops critical thinking skills. I will first discuss my thesis, using the dialogues of the Apology and Euthyphro to show the usefulness and justification of Socrates' elenchus. Second, I will suggest objections to the reasons why Socrates' elenchus is useful and justified. Finally, I will refute the objections to Socrates' elenchus. I think it is important to first explain Socrates' divine mission. Chairephon, a friend of Socrates, went to the Oracle at Delphi and asked if there was anyone wiser than Socrates. The Oracle stated that no one was wiser than Socrates. Socrates reflected on the Oracle's proclamation that he was the wisest person (The Apology 21a). Socrates tried to find someone who was wiser than him but failed. Socrates realized that he was the wisest person because he was the only person aware of his own ignorance (The Apology 23b). Socrates interpreted this as a sign that the gods had a mission for him. Socrates thought that the gods wanted him to make others aware of their ignorance. Socrates thought that not only was he carrying out a divine mission, but he was also doing Athens a great favor (The Apology 30b). Socrates thought he was helping the Athenian citizens to consider the state of their souls and not wealth and power (The Apology 30b). What I think Socrates was trying to help the Athenian citizens was to develop their critical thinking skills. Socrates' list is useful because... middle of paper... ignorance. Once people become aware of their ignorance, they can try to conduct an elenchus on their own. By conducting their own elenchus, people would most likely begin to develop critical thinking skills. Ultimately, the elenchus would be useful and justified because it helps complete Socrates' divine mission. In conclusion, although Socrates did not benefit the people he questioned, his actions were still useful and justified. By showing that reason should be what influences thought and action, Socrates' elenchus can be seen to be useful as it shows how people should think critically about the different positions that are presented to them and which they think are right . I think Socrates' list is justified because by studying and using it people will become aware of their own ignorance by developing critical thinking skills.