Dive into why Socrates is revered by Stoics, the link between Stoicism and Socrates' philosophy, and the importance of character and self-knowledge. Explore the Socratic method and the concept of virtue as knowledge. Discover the differences and similarities in philosophy between Socrates and the Stoics.
Socrates emphasized ethics over a complete philosophical system, unlike the Stoics.
Socrates engaged with people even in conflict, unlike Stoics who focused on their students.
Socrates challenged societal norms while Stoics were influential figures in society.
Deep dives
Socrates' philosophy is not fully systematized
Socrates did not create a complete philosophical system like the Stoics. His philosophy was focused more on ethics and was not mutually consistent or fully coherent.
Socrates is more aggressive and engages with non-philosophers
Socrates was known for his disagreeable nature and willingness to engage with people, even if it caused conflict or frustration. The Stoics, on the other hand, tended to focus on their own students and those who actively sought their knowledge.
Socrates is more of an outsider
While the Stoics were often successful and influential figures in society, Socrates was seen as more of an outsider who challenged societal norms and upset people.
Socrates may have a more skeptical bend
Socrates' claim that he knows nothing raises the possibility of a more skeptical philosophy, which is not as confident in its knowledge as the Stoics.
Socrates does not provide a complete system of philosophy
Unlike the Stoics, Socrates did not write down his doctrines or establish a comprehensive philosophy. His teachings are not a coherent and systematic worldview.
In this conversation, Caleb and Michael talk Socrates. Why was he held in such high regard by the Stoics? What’s the line of philosophical theory and practice connecting Stoicism to Socrates? And how did Socrates philosophy differ from the Stoics?