What is Socrates’ Type?
Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, is often associated with the INTP personality type, typically observed in many philosophers. His fascination with logical traps and fallacies resonates deeply with the analytical nature of INTPs. As another famous INTP, James Madison, succinctly put it, Socrates leads you down a garden path that leaves you hopelessly lost. This portrayal of Socrates is attributed to Plato, but it is uncertain if this depiction accurately captures the philosopher as he truly was.
From Philosophical Optimism to Tragic Resignation
Socrates is regarded as the epitome of the theoretical optimist who holds the belief that the nature of things can be understood completely. He ascribes knowledge and insight the power of a panacea and perceives error as the quintessential evil. Socrates believed that fathoming the depths of things and differentiating true knowledge from mere appearance and error was the noblest and arguably the only true human vocation. This belief in the power of knowledge has influenced countless scholars and philosophers down to the present day, being esteemed as the highest occupation and a precious gift of nature.
The most sublime ethical deeds, including pity, self-sacrifice, heroism, and the serene calm of the Apollonian Greek soul (often translated as temperance) are often derived from the dialectical process of knowledge, leading to the notion that these are teachable virtues.
The Pleasure of Socratic Insight and the Quest for Knowledge
The experience of Socratic insight is profound and craving for the whole world of appearances is a condition that can hardly be overstated. The desire to complete this conquest and weave a net that is both impenetrable yet light is a drive that Socrates embodies and advocates for. As Friedrich Nietzsche articulates in The Birth of Tragedy, chapter 15, the Platonic Socrates represents a new form of 'Greek cheerfulness' and a blissful affirmation of existence, often realized through dialectical actions. The maieutic pedagogical method emphasizes the idea that the truth lies latent in the minds of every human being, awaiting birth through intelligent questioning and educational influences on noble youths, with the ultimate goal of producing geniuses.
The Transformation from Knowledge to Art
Examining the highest sphere of the world around us reveals how the hunger for insatiable and optimistic knowledge, which Socrates embodied, has transformed into tragic resignation and a deep need for art. Yet, on lower levels, this same hunger can manifest as hostility towards art, with Plato being a prominent example. In his Republic, Plato strives to ban tragic art, exemplified by his opposition to Aeschylean tragedy.
As contemplative observers of these tremendous struggles and transitions, we are witnesses to the magic of these transformations, recognizing the necessity to participate and engage. The intellectual journey from the heights of knowledge to the depths of artistic expression is a central theme in the evolution of philosophical thought.