Socrates: What is Philosophy?

Philosophy literally means "the love of wisdom".

This word was coined in ancient times by Pythagoras to indicate that he had not arrived at the possession of wisdom, but that he was in search of wisdom because he was a lover of wisdom. So a philosopher is a "lover of wisdom".

This is a noble venture, no one has any doubt. And Pythagoras did much to promote the cause of wisdom, the knowledge of mathematical principles and laws, and the pursuit of a good life in keeping with sound morals and practices.

But perhaps no one has contributed more to the love of philosophy, the love of wisdom, than the great and noble Socrates, and his illustrious student, Plato.

Socrates is an enigmatic figure, by any measure of the stick. His entrance upon the stage of history signals a profound transformation of human culture and human thought. He did not write a single word, yet he is considered to be one of the most influential pillars of European culture. He made no great claims to knowledge, yet he is one of the most quoted thinkers of all time. He gave little value to his own opinions, yet his wisdom still shines down through the centuries and into our own era.

What does the thought of Socrates consist in? Why has he been so influential? What did he mean by self-knowledge, justice, and virtue? And why did the State see fit to execute a humble man who only sought to enquire into the deep things of life?

In this series of short essays I want to look at these and other questions related to the life and times of the great Socrates.