How does the Socratic method work in facilitating self-examination?
What do you think? Our term paper presents you with the opportunity to explore your own thinking in relation to one or more of the philosophers we are studying. Papers will be assessed on the basis of your understanding of the philosophers you cover, the quality of your analysis of their views, and the quality of your presentation and arguments for your own views. Your paper should be given a title expressing its particular focus and should begin with an introductory paragraph clearly stating the thesis you intend to advance. Papers are to be no less than 4 full pages (1400 words) and no more than 6 pages (2100 words). Please double-space and use 12 pt. font.
Citations should use MLA format. 1. Is an ‘Examined Life” Important? Among Socrates’ most famous statements is “the unexamined life is not worth living” (see Palmer, 57). The Socratic method developed by Socrates was his attempt to provide a mechanism for people to examine their own beliefs. We see Socrates employing this method in his dialogues with Euthyphro, Polemarchus, and Thrasymachus. In this paper, you will explore the meaning and nature of the Socratic method and Socratic self-examination. Your paper should consider the following questions: What is the difference between an ‘examined’ and an ‘unexamined’ life?
Why does Socrates regard self-examination as so important?
Is such examination something everyone should do, or is it important for only a select few, or is it not important at all in the way Socrates supposed?
How does the Socratic method work in facilitating self-examination?
Might Socratic self-examination help us tackle some of the problems our own society is dealing with today? How? I
n the course of exploring these questions and arguing for your own views, be sure to illustrate your points through reference to the Socratic dialogues we have read together as a class (i.e., the dialogues with Euthyphro, Polemarchus, and/or Thrasymachus). Attached is the full assignment and resource (Palmer 57) from the textbook that is mentioned in the assignment.