Philosophy, Truth, And Nature And Meaning Of Life

A philosopher is a person who studies ideas about knowledge, truth, and the nature and meaning of life (Merriam-Webster). I would consider Socrates to be a professional philosopher because he invested his lifetime in gaining an expertise in philosophy, and also because of the impact he had on philosophy. He is, after all, known as the father of philosophy. Sophists are teachers of public speaking and forensic debating. Sophists used their skill to outwit and out-argue the rest and became aware that knowledge is power, and those with the most power rule (Schleicher). Although Socrates was not a sophist (he did not teach for money and did not seek power), the general public tended to regard him as such. What Socrates had in common with sophists was the desire for knowledge, and his persuasiveness. However, the Sophists sold their wisdom to others, mostly young, affluent men who needed to win friends and influence people through thoughtful, stimulating conversation. Like all profe ssionals, the Sophists collected fees and tended to see the ultimate payoff of education as centered squarely in human endeavors. They believed education is for skillful domestic management, acquiring and maintaining social status and, most importantly, swaying hearts and minds in the law courts and in the Assembly (Blacker, 1998). Socrates sought knowledge simply for truth. He didn’t pretend to know the truth. He had no ulterior motive, other than his desire for knowledge and truth. ThatShow MoreRelatedWestern Views On Human Nature918 Words   |  4 PagesEastern Human Nature In our quest for wisdom, the question of human nature is still up to debate. Many philosophers ranging from Socrates to Buddha has questioned the nature of human life and of our existence. But these philosophers do not share the same beliefs about our nature. Their beliefs are as different as their place of origin. 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