Socrates And The Philosophy Of Writing

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Socrates: The Philosophy of Writing Socrates was one of the most influential philosophers of the fifth century and his implications of Socratic thought brought about a new way of thinking. Socrates believed that the direct path to knowledge and wisdom was gained through an individual truly knowing himself. To know one’s own self only comes from questioning and examining the truths which are presented to us. He challenged the individual to build one’s own self confidence and beliefs rather than conforming to those of society. The way to wisdom was to find exceptions to common sense thought and work a problem through in order to find a logical conclusion. The Socratic method of reasoning to develop knowledge is the base for any good writer. We write what we know and this writing produces knowledge. Socrates saw writing as a form of moral courage and outrage, a way for an individual to define themselves. Famous literary critic and author Rebecca West encompassed this mentality as she said, “I really write to find out what I know about something and what is to be known about something.” Simply put to write is to know, therefore writing is a form of expression used to manifest our thoughts on to paper. According to ideas of Socrates, if knowledge and wisdom are possessed by the individual, he in continuing knows himself. A good writer can be differentiated from others, based upon his willingness to go against what is expected and push the envelope. The only way to obtain this confidence in life and in one’s writing is to develop this way of thinking, believing that the majority is wrong, and resisting “common nonsense.” The best writing comes from a piece of work that makes one think, that makes one question his own knowledge. Socrates conceived the notion that everyone has the ability to reflect upon their own life and see their world through only their
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