Single Idea 7585

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 1. Existentialism]

Full Idea

The infinite merit of the Socratic position was precisely to accentuate the fact that the knower is an existing individual, and that the task of existing is his essential task.

Gist of Idea

Socrates emphasises that the knower is an existing individual, with existence his main task

Source

report of Socrates (reports of career [c.420 BCE]) by Søren Kierkegaard - Concluding Unscientific Postscript 'Inwardness'

Book Reference

Kierkegaard,Søren: 'A Kierkegaard Anthology', ed/tr. Bretall,Robert [Princeton 1946], p.217


A Reaction

Always claim Socrates as the first spokesman for your movement! It is true that Socrates is always demanding the views of his interlocutors, and not just abstract theories. See Idea 1647.

Related Idea

Idea 1647 In Socratic dialogue you must say what you believe, so unasserted premises are not debated [Vlastos on Socrates]