The Examined Life

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the philosophy of the examined life is a clear theme in nearly every culture. The writer discusses that within Plato's 'The Trial and Death of Socrates', Socrates is reported by Plato to have constantly attempted to help every man develop the desire to look within himself for the answers to the right and wrong of the world. The writer maintains that much more modern literature also attests to this ideal, as can be seen in 'The White Castle' by Pamuk. The writer discusses that there is a clear sense in both works that the value of examining the innate wisdom of humanity and then challenging the assumptions of such wisdom, is the key to understanding not only the self but the world around us. The conclusion of this work expresses the reality of the knowledge of Socratic ideals.

From the Paper:

"The reality of one's life, if unexamined is worthless, and from these stories one can better understand the nature of his purpose and his calling. To Socrates his calling was to bring to his beloved people the nature of self, the reality of humanity and the need to seek out the best path based not on self gain but on determined innate wisdom. To Pamuk's Italian the desire to develop a character that was worthy of praise and to live through the challenge of recognizing that men are interchangeable. Through self discovery we all eventually discover that we all have the same core, regardless of our history, our origin or our eventual place within the world. Many people like to see the broader messages of the novel, that the east and west meet, in a setting like Istanbul, the only city in the world placed on the meeting of two continents, and yet the more individual message, as with Socrates is that each individual must seek answers to the larger questions from internal inquiry."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cachia, P. (1991). Near East. World Literature Today, 65(4), 758-764.
• Pamuk, O. (1998). The White Castle. New York: Hackett.
• Plato, (2000)The Trial and Death of Socrates, New York: Hackett.
• Plato, (1977) Phaedo, New York: Hackett.

More papers on The Examined Life:

• Analytical Essay # 16187 : "The Examined Life"
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• Analytical Essay # 10719 : "Business as a Calling: Work and the Examined Life by Michael Novak"

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