Socrates and Self-Knowledge - Moore, Christopher

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Résumé :
In this book, the first systematic study of Socrates' reflections on self-knowledge, Christopher Moore examines the ancient precept 'Know yourself' and, drawing on Plato, Aristophanes, Xenophon, and others, reconstructs and reassesses the arguments about self-examination, personal ideals, and moral maturity at the heart of the Socratic project. What has been thought to be a purely epistemological or metaphysical inquiry turns out to be deeply ethical, intellectual, and social. Knowing yourself is more than attending to your beliefs, discerning the structure of your soul, or recognizing your ignorance - it is constituting yourself as a self who can be guided by knowledge toward the good life. This is neither a wholly introspective nor a completely isolated pursuit: we know and constitute ourselves best through dialogue with friends and critics. This rich and original study will be of interest to researchers in the philosophy of Socrates, selfhood, and ancient thought....

Biographie:
Christopher Moore was born in Wallington but did most of his 'growing up' in Tonbridge Kent with his mum, dad and 'little sister' Bev. His school days really were amongst the happiest of his life and, after obtaining his first degree at university, he embarked on a career as a teacher, taking up his first appointment in 1979 and remaining in the profession until retirement. Chris has two children, Sebastian and Katrina, and four grandchildren. He has many interests, including politics, music, poetry and working as a radio presenter.

Sommaire:
1. Introduction: Socrates and the precept 'Know yourself'; 2. Charmides: on impossibility and uselessness; 3. Alcibiades: mirrors of the soul; 4. Phaedrus: less conceited than Typhon; 5. Philebus: pleasure and unification; 6. Xenophon's Memorabilia 4.2: owning yourself; 7. Conclusion: challenges and a defense; Bibliography; Index.