Wisdom Of Ignorance
Socrates did not claim to know better than others. He frequently emphasized that he is ignorant of the answer. The importance of this helps to draw the line between dogma and genuine philosophy. It is one thing to state how things are and should be. Powerful institutions such as religions and political systems are built upon such dogmas and demand that others abide by them. Socrates, on the other hand, started from a position of ignorance and sought the truth.When in questioning others, he found out that the experts are just as ignorant about what things really are, he reasons: "I do not suppose that either of us knows any thing really beautiful and good. I am better off than he is - for he knows nothing, and thinks that he knows. I neither know nor think that I know."
Socrates concludes that it is better to have honest ignorance than self-deceptive ignorance. Socrates may not know the ultimate answers to the questions he raises but he knows himself. It is this self-knowledge and integrity that constitutes the wisdom of Socrates. The open invitation is for all of us to ask ourselves how much we truly know of what we claim.
Extracts from Oregon State University article, "Great Philosophers"
Comments (8)
But please tell us about your Philosoph?
As for myslef I try to start from 0 then the rest is Always a plus.I think the mind must Always be open to learn and go into the new.
To start from 0 will not say I am ignorant its a way to open my mind.. This my Tao
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Acceptance of one's ignorance is the beginning of knowledge.
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It is better to have honest ignorance than self-deceptive ignorance - Socrates.
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I have posted some CS articles that reflect my position on some philosophical issues:
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The words of the man himself!!
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