Reflection # 11

Angela Gregoire
Reflection #11
The Socrates’ philosophy had a lasting effect on men and his contributions will continue to influence the thinking person, the government, and education in Western societies. This philosopher and teacher was a great believer of ethics and his method of enquiry contributed significantly to Western thought. His questioning method led the way to what is now the scientific method. His questioning method and his enquiring mind eventually impacted the philosophy of education. Today his method of enquiry is still used. Educators still employ his methods and efficient teachers encourage thinking for themselves using his methods. Teachers prepare students to become creative thinkers instead of simply pumping information. The student should be able to examine life critically using the Socrates method. In the classroom, the teacher should accept answers with good reasoning, as the emphasis must be on reasoning rather than simple facts. Educational institutions all over the world create safe environments where students feel free to challenge other students and teachers alike. An atmosphere where students can correct the teacher and teacher can correct the student should be encouraged. Individuals should come up with their own conclusions following a situation through a series of questioning techniques. The teacher should facilitate learning and guide students to discover the truth. The questioning method gives students some insight of critical issues being discussed.
This great Greek philosopher, Socrates contributed significantly to the study of human knowledge and reasoning. His methods and teachings influenced Western education philosophies for a long time. His method of enquiry is still used today, and is one of his greatest contributions. The steps used in solving problems are still being used today in the scientific method; and which has earned him the title of the father of philosophy. It was his view that one of the best way to live was to concentrate on the development of self rather than material things. To me that is an excellent principle.
This great philosopher connected knowledge with happiness. He believed that knowledge made everyone happy and he overemphasized the importance of knowledge and reaffirmed that knowledge is power. He was an advocate for self-knowledge and explained that an educated man is wise when he can help himself. To Socrates, knowledge was interactive and living and he never documented anything. Another philosophy was that everyone had virtues. To him having intellectual virtue was necessary and everyone should search for the good and aim for the best life.
Socrates was one of the most influential Western philosophers. His ideas have great significance in modern education. His teachings have impacted on great thinkers, religious leaders, educators, and laymen. His scientific ideas also impacted on all institutions in the Western world. He is well-known and remembered for the contribution on ethics. The elenchus is still used in many discussions, and his method of questioning is treasured up to this day. The contributions he made to human knowledge and reasoning, and his ideas and influence were the ground work for much more research.