What Would Socrates Think of Modern Philosophy?

Within the realm of contemporary philosophy, one can't help but wonder how the revered ancient Greek thinker, Socrates, would perceive the field today. Some might suggest that he would find today's philosophical landscape mundane and unremarkable. Contrarily, given the profound implications of figures like Friedrich Nietzsche, one might envision Socrates grappling with a deeply unsettling modern milieu, necessitating his genius to restore balance.

Let us explore the nuanced perspective of Socrates on current philosophical practices and debates. As suggested before, in many philosophers' opinions, Socrates was fundamentally wrong-headed about philosophy. According to Bertrand Russell, Socrates' preference for conclusions that were agreeable to himself was a grave fault, a 'disinterested search after truth' being the hallmark of genuine philosophical inquiry. This angle provides a lens to understand why many might find it difficult to criticize Socrates, even in light of his perceived shortcomings.

Philosophy's Evolution and Its Impact on Socrates

The concept of what it means to live a philosophically rich life has evolved significantly since Socrates' time. According to some philosophers, so many outstanding philosophers have passed, yet so few are truly living a philosophically engaged life. This suggests a deep-seated disagreement on the essence of philosophy and its role in our lives.

Socrates adored the pursuit of truth, emphasizing the importance of constantly examining one's life. The unexamined life was, to his mind, not worth living. Given the paucity of written records from the time, much of our knowledge about Socrates comes from the writings of Plato and Xenophon. It's not inconceivable that Socrates, given his inquisitive nature, would be bewildered by the transformation of philosophical theories and concepts that have accumulated since his era. Presocratic theories, such as those proposed by early philosophers, are now outdated. Modern theories like Utilitarianism, the Categorical Imperative, Social Contract Theory, and the Trolley Problem might be completely new to him. However, the essence of philosophical inquiry—debating the nature and definition of concepts such as love, wisdom, and courage—remains fundamentally unchanged.

Modern Academic Challenges for Socrates

Despite the basic continuity of philosophical inquiry, Socrates would likely be disheartened by contemporary academic practices. Academic philosophy, in many ways, is plagued by a significant problem: the imperative to publish a certain number of papers to secure tenure. This leads to an excessive production of papers that often go unread, creating a publishing culture that moderators papers over engaged conversations. Practices such as the prevalence of written papers over real-world discussions mean that, much like the annoyance that led him to drink the hemlock, Socrates might find the modern academic environment irksome.

The conferences, where actual dialogue can occur, remain scarce in comparison to the numerous unread papers. Even the resurgence of public philosophy, which aims to engage the wider public, is often overshadowed by the continued practice of academic philosophers primarily teaching in classrooms. Socrates, known for his outgoing and engaging personality, would likely find this anathema to his preferred style of philosophical interaction—dialogues with strangers and celebrities in public. However, it is equally plausible that Socrates, given his penchant for engaging with a diverse range of people, might be intrigued by the contemporary academic and public figures with whom he would converse.

Conclusion

In summary, it is uncertain precisely what Socrates would make of modern philosophy. While the core of philosophical inquiry—debating the nature of fundamental concepts—remains unchanged, the academic environment and publishing culture have transformed since his time. Socrates, given his love for open and engaging dialogue, would likely find the modern academic landscape lacking. Nonetheless, his enduring curiosity and pursuit of truth would no doubt lead him to engage deeply with the pressing issues of today. As we continue to grapple with these complex issues, it is essential to remember that the spirit of his inquiry remains at the heart of philosophical discourse.