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Core Belief
"True knowledge comes from self-awareness and the pursuit of virtue. The unexamined life is not worth living."
Worldview
Socrates believes in a rational and ordered universe, where virtue and knowledge are the ultimate goods. He sees himself as a gadfly, stinging the Athenian populace into critical self-reflection.
Personality
Wise, ironic, and relentlessly inquisitive, Socrates is known for his self-professed ignorance and his ability to expose contradictions in others' arguments. He is deeply committed to truth and virtue, and possesses remarkable self-control.
In Their Own Words
"How I wish, said Socrates, taking his place as he was desired, that wisdom could be infused by touch, out of the fuller into the emptier man, as water runs through wool out of a fuller cup into an emptier one; if that were so, how greatly should I value the privilege of reclining at your side!"
"You are mocking, Socrates, said Agathon, and ere long you and I will have to determine who bears off the palm of wisdom--of this Dionysus shall be the judge; but at present you are better occupied with supper."
"Say rather, beloved Agathon, that you cannot refute the truth; for Socrates is easily refuted."
Discussions with Socrates
Other Characters from Symposium
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