Philosophy: The Socratic Method

Origin

Socrates is a legendary philosopher born during the Ancient Greek’s golden era over 2 millennia ago. He is regarded as one of the most intellectual philosophers in recorded history. The strange thing about this wiseman is that he never wrote any of his actual thoughts down. All that we know about him and his beliefs were inscribed by his disciples.

The most notable one being Plato. Socrates was known for his advanced critical thinking skills and often used several method to find such truth. One his wisest methods of obtaining truth values became known as the socratic method.

What is the Socratic Method?

Socrates method of obtaining truth was questioning his students endlessly. With constant questioning he searched for fallacious contradictions to eventually arrive at the foundations of various beliefs. Thus any arguments that contained fallacies were re-examined and any arguments that did not contain fallacies were accepted as truth.

Critical Thinking

The socratic method is not aimed at disproving or intimidating new pupils. Rather it seeks to promote their critical thinking skills. As such the socratic method should be used assertively not aggressively; lest one shies away the respect of his opponent.

Types of Socratic Questions

Could you put that another way?
Can you give me an example?
How do you know?
What would change your mind?
What are you implying by that?
What effect would that have?
What is an alternative?

Who uses the Socratic Method?

Several law schools have took to using the socratic method in their legal lectures. It really does bring out good discussion and habituates these future lawyers into asking questions. The socratic method is also thought to have influenced the early scientific method. The only thing about the socratic method is that it actively seeks to falsify rather than prove any justifications. Almost like a negative hypothesis. In any case I would definitely suggest that my readers apply the socratic method to every aspect of your life. It’s a good way to expand your horizon beyond simply just gathering information.

References

SOCRATIC QUESTIONS Enhancing Your Critical Thinking Skills. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/questions_socratic.html

The Socratic Method. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://www.law.uchicago.edu/prospectives/lifeofthemind/socraticmethod

Socratic Teaching. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/socratic-teaching/606

Read More

The Wondrous Tree of Life

The concept of the tree of life is one that is present in biology, most forms of religion, and even philosophy. It symbolizes interconnection and in evolutionary context; common descent. It is truly amazing how several bodies of knowledge can come up with the same concept even through separation. It does give a lot of credence to the concept itself.


Biology

The tree of life in modern biology is known as the phylogenetic tree. It is used metaphorically to describe the relationship between all modern organisms and strongly implies a term known as common descent. Common descent meaning that all organisms can be traced back to single ancestor. Phylogenetic trees are based on genetic information and there are a few slight limitations. The main problem being that organisms can occur through hybridization which would result in the tree branches, converging into branches. But perhaps the most interesting thing about the phylogenetic tree is it never stops growing.

Organisms who have gone extinct can read dead ends at the end of their branches. However those organisms who survive can continuously grow new branches as long as their lineages survive. If the tree were to ever stop branching off and growing, it would most likely mean either the end of life or the end of evolution. Although both scenarios are unlikely to happen. If you want to see the ongoing diagram of the tree of life you can visit the official website

Theology

The tree of live has existed in many different religious cultures in doctrines. A few prime examples being Christianity, Ancient Egyptian Culture, Ancient Persian Culture, Armenian Culture, Kaballah, Mayan Culture, Mesoamerican Culture, and at least 25 other cultures that we have identified. It should be noted that in all these cultures the tree seems to have very similar properties

1. The tree connects the heavens and the earth
2. One could gain immortality by eating the blessed fruit of the tree
3. One could become fertile by eating the trees fruit
4. Life and Death are enclosed within the tree. 
5. Fruit of the tree has healing properties

For example, in Ancient Egyptian mythology, the first couple known as Isis and Osiris emerged from an acacia tree. This tree was known as the tree of life and was especially known for the fourth property stated above. Another example would be the christian tree of life which was described as bountiful and filled with all manners of fruit. The fruit of the tree was also known to have healing properties and grant the user immortality. Adam and Eve the first humans according to the bible were cast out of the garden before they ate the fruit and thus never gained immortality. 

Or even Norse Mythology which named their tree of life Yggdrasil. Ygdrasil is known as the world tree and its branches reaches to the heavens where the gods reside. And its roots connect the "nine realms." I could go on about countless other stories which seem to have the tree of life concept. It really does make you wonder how much truth there is to this concept.

Conclusion

As you can see there are parallels between the tree of life in biology and theology. Both trees have come to represent life metaphorically. Both are "Immortal" in its own sense. Both are based relate to the interconnection of the world/universe. The best thing that we can learn from this is that truth is not easily attainable by one body of knowledge. Only when we have expanded ourselves to look from multiple perspectives can we actually see the true form of truth. 

Read More