Socrates is, of course, the first Socratic philosopher, distinguishing himself from the earlier presocratic philosophers, who primarily explored natural phenomena and metaphysics. But who came next? Chapter 8 of 30 Philosophers tells the story of Socrates, the man who dared to question every known truth. His student Plato celebrated the virtues of the mind in his works, which preserved Socrates’ teachings and expanded upon them. Chapter 9 continues Plato’s story and transitions to Aristotle, Plato’s own student, who would become one of the most renowned philosophers of all time. In this lineage, the first Socratic philosophers were Socrates, his student Plato, and his student Aristotle.
However, the term “Socratic philosophers” can also refer more narrowly to those directly influenced by Socrates himself. In this sense, Socratic philosophers include Plato, Xenophon, Antisthenes, Aristippus of Cyrene, and other disciples who embraced his ideas and carried on his philosophical legacy. This definition typically excludes Aristotle, who was born 15 years after the execution of Socrates and whose ideas evolved beyond Socratic thought.
At their core, Socratic philosophers shared a commitment to the Socratic method of questioning and dialogue. They championed self-examination, critical thinking, and the pursuit of wisdom. By delving into the nature of knowledge, reality, and ethics, these thinkers laid the foundation for Western philosophy in areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics.
1 thought on “Who were the first Socratic philosophers?”
Facebook comment: I suspect that Socrates and Plato would support Zuckerberg’s decision to stop using fact-checkers. Back then they valued Free Speech and open exchange of opinions.
—
My Reply: Actually, they valued truth, facts, and honesty. Virtues like courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. All virtues lacking in Trump de cult, and the current Republican party. So, no, they would not support giving up on fact checking. The fact you went there indicates you have a bit more to learn about the Socratic method, which has a focus on questioning ones own ideas in the pursuit of truth.
However, I suspect the nuanced view of switching from a volatile term like “fact checking” to “community notes” might be supported by them as a way to buy some time during the transition and to trick the Trump de cult into thinking he is actually appeasing them. More importantly, the cult-leader Trump will buy into it and leave them alone because of the “appearance” of cooperation.