Socrates Method of Cross-Examine

In this paper, I will argue that Socrates does not typically benefit those that he cross-examines, but that his activity is nonetheless useful and justified. I will argue that Socrates’ cross-examinations are justified and useful because it is a divine mission and because it develops critical thinking skills. I will argue my thesis by first, using The Apology and Euthyphro dialogues to show the usefulness and justification of Socrates’ elenchus. Second, I will suggest objections to the reasons why Socrates’ elenchus is useful and justified. Finally, I will give my rebuttal to the objections against Socrates’ elenchus.

I think it is important to first explain Socrates’ divine mission. Chairephon, a friend of Socrates, went to the Oracle of Delphi and asked if there was anyone wiser than Socrates. The Oracle proclaimed that no one was wiser than Socrates. Socrates pondered over the Oracle’s proclamation that he was the wisest person (The Apology 21a). Socrates attempted to find someone who was wiser than himself but he could not. Socrates realized that he was the wisest person because he was the only person who was aware of his own ignorance (The Apology 23b). Socrates took this as being a sign that the gods had a mission for him. Socrates thought that the gods wanted him to make other people aware of their ignorance. Socrates thought that he was not only performing a divine mission but he was also doing Athens a great favor (The Apology 30b). Socrates thought that he was helping the Athenian citizens to consider the state of their souls and not wealth and power (The Apology 30b). What I think Socrates was trying to help the Athenian citizens with was to help develop their critical thinking skills. Socrates’ elenchus is useful bec...

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... ignorance. Once people become aware of their own ignorance, they may try to conduct an elenchus on their own. By conducting their own elenchus’, people would most likely begin to develop the critical thinking skills. Ultimately, the elenchus would be useful and justified because it does help complete Socrates’ divine mission.

In conclusion, although Socrates did not benefit the people that he cross-examined, his actions were still useful and justified. By showing that reason should be what influences thought and action, it can be seen that Socrates’ elenchus is useful in that it shows how people should critically think about different positions that they are presented and that they think are right. I think that Socrates’ elenchus is justified in that by studying and using it, people will become aware of their own ignorance by developing critical thinking skills.