Essay, Research Paper
Is it Dangerous to Think too Much?
Cogito, ergo sum ( I think, therefore I am. ), Descartes famous basis for his philosophy of Cartesianism, is also compelling evidence towards the defense of one of the most famous of the early Greek teachers, Socrates. In order to be, one must think. Socrates was a seeker of truth, and the highest knowledge is knowing what is best for oneself and one s community. He was penalized and served the ultimate sentence for his belief in the true nature of education. He was blamed for opposing the authoritative belief that education had the sole purpose of transmitting social mores intact. He believed instead that education was meant to examine and re-evaluate social norms for the betterment of society. It was his re-evaluation of social norms that was perceived as dangerous by his society. This leads to the question, Is it dangerous to think to much? Is it sometimes better to let things be, in order to keep the peace?
One of the many charges brought against Socrates was the charge of corrupting the youth with his teachings. Instead of letting the laws govern their lives, he was attempting to show his pupils ways of rationalizing their own world. God originally gave mankind free will so that we would not become a bunch of robots walking around doing his bidding, and yet this is what traditions were doing. The customs of early Athens were limiting on what a person could or could not believe. Socrates believed independent thought in itself could never be bad. It is what one does with this knowledge that determines its worth. Socrates believed that self-knowledge is different from the “knowledge of information that had been handed down from generation to generation. Socrates was more concerned with ethical knowledge: self-understanding means self-improvement. Not only must one know what it means to be a human being and understand one’s own character (and how it falls short of the ideal), but knowing better means doing better. Knowledge becomes a virtue. One must transform one’s own character in the light of one’s vision of what is best. Socrates believed true knowledge or human wisdom was not abstract information or facts that filled the brain. It is knowledge that transforms character, brings order to a disorderly life, refines attitude, and makes one better.
This self-understanding that Socrates taught his pupils is actually beneficial to a community. When one has order in their lives, it is easier for them to bring order to the world around them. When you smile the world cannot help smiling too. Conversely, when one allows himself to be corrupted, he corrupts the society around them. Self-improvement equals social reform. At the same time, social reform requires knowledge of what is best for the community (as a whole). Thus, since self-improvement and social reform are interdependent, self-knowledge and knowledge of social justice are also interdependent. Ethics is inseparable from politics and individual good is inseparable from the common good. Therefore, by teaching the youth to think without worrying about following tradition, Socrates not only helps them enhances themselves, but he improves society in general.
There still remains the question as to whether or not this constant inquiry into the world can be detrimental. Without pioneers of thought, pioneers of action would never exist. As science progresses through time, more and more of its theories are being put into development. Although the progress of science has greatly enhanced society and the world we live in, there are many cases where an invention or discovery managed to set society back. One of the best examples of this is weapons of mass destruction, more specifically, the A-bomb. No one would disagree that this was a terrible thing to create; even the inventor had hesitations when he figured out what he was doing. Still he made it, and as society progress, it progressively develops newer and more destructive weapons. The irony is that the leaders of society are the people pushing for the bigger and better weapons, for the sake a guaranteeing public safety. Yet as more and more weapons are created the inevitable mass destruction of all societies becomes evident. In this way, Socratic thought and the quest for knowledge is detrimental to a society.
Pure Socratic belief is best summed up by his saying, the unexamined life is not worth living. Many of Socrates adversaries believed that this principle was an open invitation for anarchy. Examining life leads to new ideas that do not necessarily conform with the beliefs of society. This causes great movements of revolution. Socrates believed these movements were a great tool in the advancement of civilization. One great proof against this idea is the rise of Hitler and communism. Hitler examined his life and found that the Jews were the source of all his problems. He therefore decided to kill as many of them that he could. His ultimate goal was genocide. In this case the personal thoughts of an individual did not help the advancement of society.
The new debate becomes, Is it justifiable to condemn a person for Socratic behavior? The answer is no. Everyone should be allowed to quest for knowledge. That is why the necessity for a college education in the modern world is so strong. Society needs thinkers. What is condemnable is the specific actions that are taken as a result of some of these thoughts. Hypothesizing about what a weapon of mass destruction can do and testing it out on innocent people and animals are two different things. Many people criticize Socrates for not being a man of action. All Socrates ever accomplished was questioning and probing the democratic beliefs of his day. He built nothing, and he wrote nothing, all he did was think, and a person cannot be condemned for their thoughts. In the big picture, people should be encouraged to think for themselves, to decide what they are going to believe and what they are going to dismiss as fiction.
Society has the right to punish a man s actions if they are causing harm to society, but expressing a view other than popular opinion is not harmful to society. In actuality, contemplation can help to resolve many of society s problems. Meditation on a problem leads to possible solutions to the problem, and in essence, progress. By examining oneself, a person gains better insight into who they are, and where their place in society is. This allows them to become more secure with themselves and more efficient in the community. Socratic behavior is about examining everything in order to gain knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge is not condemnable as long as no one is getting hurt.
34a
Другие работы по теме:
During A Son
’s Dangerous Illness Essay, Research Paper Terence Duncan 11/01/99 An Essay on "During A Son?s Dangerous Illness" Death can strike at anytime, sometimes expected, but too often unannounced. Denise Levertov wrote a poem entitled "During a Son?s Dangerous Illness" about the unmerciful side of death.
Why Bebeguns Are Dangerous Essay Research Paper
Why bebe-guns are dangerous This past summer, when I was “horsing” around with my friends, I came to realize how dangerous a bebe-gun can be. I learned that I had made a big mistake by not thinking before my actions, and that is what got me into trouble. My friends and I were fooling around with a bebe-gun, shooting at cans.
End The Bogus War On Drugs Essay
, Research Paper End the Bogus War on Drugs!! This site is dedicated to battling one of the biggest scams of the last 20years – the bogus “war on drugs”. The so called “war on drugs” has made ourcommunities more dangerous by giving gangsters a commodity to sell fortremendous profits. This has made our communities more violent – not lessviolent.
AntiCloning Essay Research Paper Many people have
Anti-Cloning Essay, Research Paper Many people have different views about cloning. Some believe it to be a good thing. I think cloning is one of the worst things to come into the millennium. Cloning is very dangerous to humans. Not only could it kill a human being, but it could effect a family or others around them.
Nativism Essay Research Paper Nativism is a
Nativism Essay, Research Paper Nativism is a dangerous idea. It keeps people from bring free and deprives them of there god given rights secured by the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
Arm Teachers To Stop School Violence Essay
, Research Paper Arm Teachers to Stop School Shootings? How often do we open the newspaper or turn on the television and see there has been another school shooting? It seems as though it is happening more and more everyday. Violence in schools seems to be on the rise. And now we are faced with the possibility of weapons willingly going into our schools to “protect our children.” It is asked should we arm teachers to stop school shootings?
Courage In Individuals In
“On Being Seventeen”, “The Most Dangerous Game” And “Giving Blood” Essay, Research Paper Courage in Individuals in “On Being Seventeen”, “The Most Dangerous Game” and
The Most Dangerous Game By Richard Connell
Essay, Research Paper The short story The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell is about the hunter and the hunted but later in the story it becomes ironic because it turns into a game were the hunter becomes
Attention Keepers In
“The Most Dangerous Game” Essay, Research Paper Attention keepers in “The Most Dangerous Game” In Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game”, he uses several literary devices to keep the reader interested. During Rainsfords journey to and through the island of General Zaroff he partakes in an adventurous journey filled with mystery, suspense, and dilemma.
Difference Of Psychopath And Psychotic Essay Research
Paper Difference Between Psychotic and Psychopath People that are classified as psychotic are very different from people that are labeled as psychopaths. People classified as psychotic have a disease that is in the
Gentle Ben Essay Research Paper A brown
Gentle Ben Essay, Research Paper A brown bear is the largest most dangerous big-game animal in North America. Even so ,Mark Anderson?s only friend is Ben, the
Pyrotechnics Essay Research Paper Pyrotechnics is defined
Pyrotechnics Essay, Research Paper Pyrotechnics is defined as the art of making and using fireworks. Some consider fireworks dangerous, obnoxious bursts of noise; others consider them beautiful, artful displays of light. Either way you look at it, pyrotechnics is an interesting and dangerous hobby.
Dangerous Delusions Essay Research Paper For the
Dangerous Delusions Essay, Research Paper For the most part, the American people?s views are greatly formed by what the media shows. In addition, most of what the media gives the people is propaganda. In the article, Theories of an Ignorant Arab-Islamic Culture Only Sere to Broaden Dangerous Delusions, by Rime Allaf, states that America is not the sleeping giant like it was so called during World War II but the people are dormant and arrogant to realize what is really going on.
To What Extent Should Nationalism Be Encouraged
? Essay, Research Paper Nationalism is very important towards a person’s self pride towards the country they live in. Nationalism is the base on what a country stand for and how strong the country is as a whole. With this in mind do people go over board and express this sense of pride to an extent to which it can be dangerous.
Comparison Of Paul
’s Case, The Rocling Horse Winner And The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty Essay, Research Paper In the short stories, “Paul’s Case,” “The Rocking-Horse Winner,” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and “Mr. Reginald Peacocks Day,” the main character has their own form of illusion. These characters try to escape from everyday reality by living in their own fantasy.
How To Extinguish A Fire process Analysis
) Essay, Research Paper How To Extinguish a Fire Is fire truly a living thing? It consumes fuel and oxygen, produces heat and waste, it grows and moves. Weather fire is alive or not, it is still dangerous, so you should always treat it with care. There are four main types of fires which are rated in class A, B, C and D.
Conflict In The Most Dangerous Game Essay
, Research Paper Conflicts in ?The Most Dangerous Game? ?The Most Dangerous Game? is a bizarre hunting story. In this story, General Zaroff hunts Rainsford. Richard Connell?s ?The Most Dangerous Game? included many types of conflict, such as the following: Rainsford versus nature, Rainsford versus himself, and Rainsford versus General Zaroff.
Drug Abuse Essay Research Paper Drug AbuseDrug
Drug Abuse Essay, Research Paper Drug Abuse Drug abuse affects many people all through the world. Drug use among Americans has risen to very high levels since the 1970’s. Drugs can be very dangerous if used in the wrong way. The purpose of this research report is to discuss the use and abuse of drugs. It also discuss’ the prevention programs against drugs.
Binge Drinking Essay Research Paper My report
Binge Drinking Essay, Research Paper My report is on the disease binge drinking. Binge drinking is a dangerous drinking problem that many people have. A binge is defined as five or more alcoholic drinks in
Oscar Schindler Essay Research Paper Oscar Schindler
Oscar Schindler Essay, Research Paper Oscar Schindler: People die, it’s a fact of life. He wants to kill everybody? Great, what am I supposed to do about it? Bring everybody over? Is that what you think? Send them over to Schindler, send them all. His place is a ‘haven,’ didn’t you know? It’s not a factory, it’s not an enterprise of any kind, it’s a haven for rabbis and orphans and people with no skills whatsoever.
Responsible Fates Essay Research Paper In the
Responsible Fates Essay, Research Paper In the play Romeo and Juliet and the musical Wet Side Story, the two pairs of lovers were part responsible for their tragic fates. First, Romeo?s and Juliet?s families were enemies. In comparison, Tony and Maria of West Side Story were practically apart of gangs that were enemies as well.
Nuclear Energy Essay Research Paper Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy Essay, Research Paper Nuclear Energy should be produced because it is an alternative to fossil fuel. Nuclear energy helps to conserve our national resources that we use as fuel such as coil, oil, and natural gas. Another pro of nuclear energy is that radiation that is given off by nuclear energy is mostly thought of a very dangerous thing but it can be used in positive ways too.
Julius Caesar Jealousy Essay Research Paper Julius
Julius Caesar: Jealousy Essay, Research Paper Julius Caesar: Jealousy Jealousy causes many of the characters in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar to commit dangerous and foolish acts. Cassius’ jealousy drives him to kill
The Problems Of Mexico City Essay Research
Paper The Problems of Mexico City The principal problems now facing Mexico City are its overcrowding and overpopulation, its dangerous environment, its dwindling water supply, and its
Fatal Machines Essay Research Paper Fatal MachinesHave
Fatal Machines Essay, Research Paper Fatal Machines Have you noticed how careless people can be when they are behind the wheel of an automobile? Cars are dangerous machines which require patient drivers. Over the years technology has made cars safer. Many people think they are indestructible when they?re behind the wheel.
Driving Safety Essay Research Paper Driving Can
Driving Safety Essay, Research Paper Driving Can Be Dangerous Driving can be a dangerous endeavor. If you add speeding, drinking and driving or talking on the cell phone, it can become deadly. Speeding is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. Alcohol is also a leading cause of deadly accidents.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper Marijuana also called
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana (also called mary-jane, pot, grass, weed, doobey and reefer) is the most commonly used illegal street drug in North America. Marijuana is a depressant. It is one of the cheapest illegal drugs in the world. It is also one of the easiest drugs to get. Because of this it is one of the most dangerous drugs.
Privacy Essay Research Paper As laws policies
Privacy Essay, Research Paper As laws, policies, and technological design increasingly structure people’s relationships with social institutions, individual privacy faces new threats and new opportunities. Over the last several years, the realm of technology and privacy has been transformed, creating a landscape that is both dangerous and encouraging.
Psychological Conflicts In Literature1 Essay Research Paper
We all experience psychological conflicts, knowingly or unknowingly. They involve psychological conflicts among our thoughts, emotions, and rational thinking. It may be the most dangerous conflict of all due to the battleground in which it take place in — our mind.