Dialogue and Discovery, livre ebook

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.

Preface

1. Socratic Philosophy and the Dialogue Form

2. Dialogue and the Search for Essence

3. Socrates as Speech Maker

4. Socrates as Hero

5. Socrates as Teacher

6. Socrates and the Teaching of Virtue

7. Conclusion: Virtue and Knowledge

Appendix: Gorgias'Apology of Palamedes
Bibliography
Index of Names
Index of Subjects
Index of Sources