271: The Socratic Method

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis[2][4][5].

This collection of dialogues presents a foundational journey into the world of philosophical inquiry. Through the probing questions and wisdom of Socrates, Plato delves into complex discussions on virtue, justice, the soul’s immortality, and the nature of reality. The dialogues, such as 'Euthyphro,' 'Apology,' 'Crito,' 'Meno,' and 'Phaedo,' capture Socrates' method of questioning and the pursuit of truth. These narratives invite readers into deep contemplation about the ethical dimensions of human life and the pursuit of knowledge, shaping Western thought and encouraging readers to question, reflect, and discover the enduring relevance of philosophical exploration.

This book, first published in 1966, is part of Hal Porter's autobiographical trilogy. It vividly recounts two crucial decades of Porter's life, from his late teens through his stormy twenties and thirties. The narrative spans various locations including Gippsland, Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania, and occupied Japan, detailing his experiences as a teacher, writer, and in other diverse roles. The book is praised for its masterful prose and provides a deep insight into Porter's life and writing style.