Was Socrates merely trying to "expose" contradictions, or do you thin he sincerely wanted to learn?

Question

One problem I'm encountering in the works of Socrates is that I'm never sure if his dialectical method reflect his true intentions: that is, I'm uncertain as to whether he just wanted to expose the interlocuter's contradictions, or if he really WAS trying to come to sound philosophical conclusions ...

Answer 1

Why not both?

For example, in the Euthyphro, Socrates asks Euthyphro (a generally regarded holy man), what piety is. In this case, Socrates truly wants to know what piety is, because he is about to go to trial on charges of impiety. If he knew what piety was, he would be able to defend himself, and point out how he was pious. There is ample motivation there. However, no conclusion is reached, because Euthyphro could not give a sound logical casue for impiety. If however, when Socrates showed the contradictions to Euthryphro, and Euthyphro then was able to find a true logical cause for piety which Socrates could find no wrong with, Socrates would have been overjoyed, and been able to face his trial with this knowledge.

Hope that helps.

*Edit*
In response to the post below, I would like to point out that most illuminati groups have no verifiable identification anywhere before the 1700's, when they were formed as a sect within the Freemasons. Although some Illuminati groups trace their roots back to the Knights Templar, or even early Gnostic tradition, the Knights Templar were not formed untill after the first crusade, at the begining of the millenium. Similarly, Gnosticism was a product of the first few hundred years A.D. Thus Pythagorus and Plato lived hundreds of years before when even the wildest illuminati group claims its origins.

Answer 2

That should not concern you even the least. It is for you to come to your own conclusions for which you need to ponder over the ideas, even contradictions that you come across while reading Socrates or any one else. It does not matter whether he wanted to learn or unlearn - in the ultimate analysis, you only learn something new by unlearning something old.

Answer 3

Socrates was seeking the truth in all things, and the reasons for
why really (And truly) things are what they are.
He used dialogs to get to some conclusions, including ridicule, and deliberate unreasonable assumptions to lead to the truth. When his partner(s) and him reached an agreement, it was considered an advance toward the truth.

Answer 4

you need to sit on a rock with your chin in your hand,
Socrates was an Illuminati .what ever he said it was for manipulation cleverly hidden amongst promises of enlightenment.
all of these guys at the end of the day had a lot of power,that is the essence
Plato ,Pythagoras etc. all had privileged information way ahead of their time like Leonardo da Vinci as well as historical data beyond the publics knowledge

Answer 5

first of all that's God, perfect noun. God would not merely provide you what you decide on when you consider which you like for it, he's not a genie. you should actual have self belief in him without sarcasm because of the fact he's a loving and jealous God, He desires to be your in easy terms one without exception. to furnish you an occasion say a Husband and a spouse are having marital themes and deep down interior they choose to artwork it out. They shouldn't assume to discover an envelope on the line with B&B, action picture and Dinner passes. No particularly God might probable carry them nearer by way of a disaster of form that they might desire to call upon one yet another and the admire of Gods love. this way they strengthen from the challange and are available returned mutually. no one fairly is familiar with how Gods infinate and infaluable awareness works, that's why he's a God. you're specific in a fashion you haven't any longer yet chanced on and by way of faith and devotion you will without delay discover out the form you're specific. It sounds corny yet provide reading the Bible a try, bypass on your library and grab a replica of the recent American Bible (student version in the event that they have it) and study the e book of John for starter. that's a maximum suitable broker so which you be responsive to the memories are actual website turners. Say a speedy prayer asking God to furnish you the notice to discover your solutions interior the Bible. in case you do decide for to examine extra please do no longer run off and connect a "mom & Pop" church, try an older faith (2000 years previous or extra) like the Catholic Church (Apostolic Sucession).

Answer 6

I think the object is to bring the interlocter to come to sound philosphical conclusions. It's really just challenging the speaker so he or she has to make logical conclusions. If you are playing the part of the challenger, you're not really trying to get at the truth yourself, but trying to lead your opponent to his or her own (logical and defensible) truth.

Answer 7

Socrates was just having fun.

Answer 8

Read Meno.
You will see a definite whole hearted teaching

Answer 9

Did he want to learn or teach?