Plato: Phaedo the Socratic Method Term Paper

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Socrates asked them to come forward with their thoughts if they were "still doubtful about the argument." The two proceed to make a sophisticated argument, contrary to Socrates' points, that were counterexamples to the points about the body and the soul that Socrates had been making with such eloquence. It was cross-examination, but it was also a series of new hypotheses that Cebes and Simmias presented to the philosopher whom they held in the highest regard, of course.

Basically, they argued that the existence of the soul during the bodily period has been sufficiently proved; but as to what happens to the soul after death, is "unproven," Cebes offered. And it went on for awhile, convincingly; and when the narrator Phaedo brought the story back to real time, he recounted that the listeners to Socrates "had been so firmly convinced" and yet after the cross-examination (elenchus) by Cebes and Simmias, "either we were not good judges, or there were no real grounds of belief."

What argument can I ever trust again?" said Echecrates. And, Echecrates was eager to find out from Phaedo how Socrates responded to these brilliant observations from Cebes and Simmias. And Phaedo said he had never been as impressed with Socrates as he was at that moment, due to the grace and humility that the great philosopher demonstrated in this dialogue. In fact, Socrates then discusses the power of argument, and says, in effect, that those engaged in dialogue must never turn away from logical analysis, just because they might not feel as skilled in the art of logic as they should be. He also showed a lot of grace by saying, his own motives in his position about how the soul has immortality could be called into question since he is about to die and it might feel good inside a person to believe such a thing; it might be comforting to a person near death to believe his soul will go on after his body stops functioning.

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Was this just a rationalization by Socrates to cover up the fact that Cebes and Simmias actually found his hypothesis had flaws, and pointedly refuted his argument through their own high-quality use of elenchus? That is for students and other interested people to debate.

In conclusion, it is very poignant when Socrates says, "Follow my advice; think little of Socrates, and much more of the truth, and if you think what I say is true, then agree, but if not, oppose me with every argument you can."

Is there truly a great deal of value in embracing the Socratic Method? Can it help students learn new ideas? The answer is yes, and yes. True, honest Socratic dialogue between two or more people who are informed, educated, and willing to learn - and have no ego out of control and no axe to grind - can be stimulating and enlightening. If all parties participating have done independent research on the topic, and express their knowledge clearly, learning will take place. Yes, it helps clarify ideas, but more than that, if used correctly by serious people who have a thirst for sharing and gaining knowledge, it is a wonderful learning tool.

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