[cornelis]

Have you read "The Closing of the American Mind" Federalist 78?

Plato's understanding of Socrates is really quite profound. The pedagogical value of Platonic writings in schools is indispensable. Plato never fails to engage critical thinking because it asks the important questions. Of course, if your teacher is Jefferson, no such luck. But for one who understands what's at stake in education, Plato is a treasure.

He points out the can-should argument. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. That is important for the expansive ego today. When the conversation turns to suicide, Socrates reminds us that just because you can, doens't mean you should. You shouldn't, because one's life doesn't belong to one's self.

When his students get tired of his questioning, he warns them against the hatred of words and arguments. Not good--such hatred is a symptom of misanthropy.

When at the beginning of the Republic he encounters some friends, they compel him to join up with them. He asks, "why should I." They answer, because we are more than you.

In the end, at the close of the Apology, he recognizes his fate: "I go to die, you to live, and who of us goes to the better lot is known only to God."

Nietzsche didn't like Socrates, and probably for the same reason he preferred to see himself as anti-christian.

[Helms]

Have you read "The Reckless Mind" by M. Lilla?

[Helms]

Nietzsche didn't like Socrates, and probably for the same reason he preferred to see himself as anti-christian.

I personally understand FN to have been the Steven Hawking of the Psyche and the worlds first Psychologist. Actually in my readings FN has great respect for Plato and goes back and forth in a love hate relationship.

FN was a peer to Plato and was in a position to criticize. Philosophers are notorious for their sometimes petty and sometimes profound differences.

I find that Nietzsche's profundity and confounding writings mirror the enigma of reality itself or gordian World Knot.

[ChadGore]

"I drank what?"

--
Socrates

[Federalist 78]

Have you read "The Closing of the American Mind" Federalist 78?

Didn't read it, but I remember it was favorably reviewed in the conservative press and probably prompted, Review 'The Closing of the American Heart' by Ronald H Nash

[Helms]

"Nietzsche didn't like Socrates, and probably for the same reason he preferred to see himself as anti-christian."

And I see how you react to facts and the need for correction in thinking.

Hardly Socratic of you.