Thought Journal 3: The Socratic Method

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Thought Journal 3: The Socratic Method

When having a conversation, many people seem to avoid the topic of death. It is a very controversial topic in which each individual has their own belief, idea, opinions that would prefer to keep to themselves to avoid conflict and/or arguments. This is a phase that is real, that every individual has to go through. Some face death at the most common stage of being old and aging. Some people’s lives are gone in a matter of seconds without notice. Either they are going through an illness, commuting to their next destination via any type of transportation, etc. When a loved one has passed away, people have different ways of grieving and to grope around this tragic situation.

Now in terms of the Holocaust, approximately 11 million people did not occur to them that they were going to die in the way that they did.

ANOTHER SWEEPING GENERALIZATION; DR./SR. EDITH STEIN (IN THIS WEEK’S ESSAY) KNEW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN–AND SO DID THE PRIEST FR. MAXIMILIAN KOLBY.  PEOPLE WERE AWARE OF WHAT THE NAZIS WERE DOING, AND CERTAINLY MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN THE CAMPS; IF THEY DIDN’T KNOW IN THE BEGINNING, THEY LEARNED QUICKY!  N. 

They were not aware that they were going to be a part of one of the deadliest and most tragic genocide that has occurred in the world’s history still until this day. They were not emotionally nor physically prepared for their last days here on Earth.

There are two different methods that will be discussed, the Scientific Method and the Socratic Method.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, they define scientific method as: “principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment and the formulation and testing of hypotheses”. This method dates back to the twelfth century, during the Renaissance era and has evolved over time with many thinkers who have modified this method. For instance, Isaac Newton, a scientist who refined the process of the scientific method, he was the first to realize that the scientific method needed both induction and deduction. This made a huge mark in the science field and drove this revolution forward.

The second being, the Socratic Method. I recall applying this method in many of the debates we had during my world history class when I was in high school. The professor assigned these type of debates in order for us to engage and critically think about the historic events that got us where we are today. This method is one of the oldest methods in terms of critical thinking and reasoning. There are five parts that make up this logical approach. First, one poses a question about the related topic. Forming an educated hypothesis comes second. The next step, is testing the hypothesis. The fourth step is accepting whether the hypothesis is valid or not. Lastly, concluding with a final statement that sums up all the information that was previously stated.

In regards to the soul’s existence approach, I support this argument in which the socratic method was used. I too, believe that humans have a soul.

CHALLENGE MY ARGUMENT; LOOK FOR HOLES IN MY REASONING; DON’T BEGIN WITH THE PRECONCEPTION THAT WE HAVE A SOUL.  N.

We are all made up of two parts, the body, being ME, the second being our soul, that is distinct from our physical bodies. We are not able to control the involuntary responses our body gives. We are not able to control our heartbeat, the bloodflow throughout our body, what gets sent to our nervous system, etc. For instance, as babies, we are not able to control when we cry or not. That is the body’s immediate reaction to wanting to be fed, changed, or we are just being fussy. Many people believe that we need to perform good deeds on Earth so when we are just a soul, we are rewarded. Every person has their own way of interpreting this. I believe we are all brought into this world for each individual to find their purpose in what makes him/her happy.

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The human body is an exquisite work of art. Nevertheless, it only accounts for a part of the individual. The exclusivity of persons makes it seem as if they are made of more than what meets the eye. What exactly lies underneath? The likeness in our internal organs does not account for this exclusivity. So, what exactly accounts for this exclusivity? The fact that most of the body activities are autonomous and not yet explained also poses a question; who controls my body?

Hypothesis:

I am a “soul.” This is the part of me that reasons and seems to control only a handful of body functions. The body is an entirely different entity enclosing “me” (the soul). Also, I do not create my body which makes me a different part of the puzzle.

Testing:

The separation of body and “Me” as different entities is seen in many instances. The fact that I possess no control over functions of the body such as aging, healing, digestion shows this separation. The process that I have no control over have some order to them indicating a that something else is in control. The mystery behind the anonymous entity pulling strings is worth examining. According to Socrates, that life would then become unworthy since there is no examining it.

The lack of possession of control and knowledge on how the body works also ascertains that the body and “me” are two different entities. Scientist adheres to the scientific method of where information and facts are ascertained by systematic observation, measurement, experimentation, testing and modification of hypothesis. I am only aware of a very small portion of how my body functions. Scientists have not yet found out how our body works the way it works; for instance, why we need sleep, what triggers aging among other questions. However, asking questions that stimulate critical thinking draws ideas of the division of an individual body into two; the physical body and the controlling entity, the “me.”

I always fell as if I am a spectator looking down from big windows. I do have control of some parts even though I do not handle the smallest details. The only time one see their face is in a mirror reflection. I always have an urge to protect this body as if it was a delicate vessel that was entrusted to me. Thus, the need for constant scrutiny in the mirror and the reason we only feel attached to the body when we are looking at it. Do I know that I only get one such vessel and damage to it will impair the soul’s well-being? Then this might mean that my body and “me” are quite different. The soul is the superior of the two entities.

  Nevertheless, there are instances where the body experiences severe trauma which lead to altering of the brain activity. This will often lead to the “me” entity being less efficient. 

This could dispute the fact that we are two different entities or further drive the point home. I believe the “me” entity uses the body as a way to manifest itself. The memory and experiences of the brain are merely projections of the “me” and character, the personality of an individual are the results of this manifestation. Hence if the body is damaged the manifestation of the “me” gets altered. The normal cognitive paths for me are translated differently on to the body.  

The brain is like the central system that connects the body and the soul. Since the soul is responsible for only a portion of the bodies, function the brain allocates a larger part of keeping itself in check. The brains state and function affect the “me” since it is the lifeforce and only starts functioning properly once the body is formed. The lack of control in our creation is a proof that we are essentially different. Hence, the “me” will only work with the current situation. For instance, the feeling of invincibility that a brand-new car gives the owner is what a young body gives the “me.” Hence, the situation your body is in determines the state of your soul. Hence, a good healthy body makes the “me” happy explaining our persistence in health matters et cetera. This means that our souls are responsible for most of the emotions we experience. The body is often at a constant conflict between desire and fear, and the soul is the voice of reason. It often dictates our actions based on the knowledge of the past.

What does this mean for people born with down syndrome or other mental illnesses? What condition is their “me” in? Well, the “me” for such people is still working as it should. The soul cannot be impaired. The “me” only works with the correct conditions of the body. From the above reasoning, we see that the “me” will only manifest itself differently nevertheless it will still be there. The mental functioning of the brain will, therefore, affect the soul’s manifestation on the body. The proof is seen when a person with a mental disorder still has character and a personality.

What does that mean for the patients who are in a persistent vegetative state? Well, this question is one that proves that the soul cannot leave the body without death. The vegetative patient’s body is still alive question remains whether his “me” is still there.

The ability of human beings to have thought about their thoughts is quite a phenomenon. Where do this thoughts stem from? We have already used our brain to think about the initial thought the reasoning or the ability of the thinking about our thoughts is proof that we are complex. The dynamics of thoughts are multidimensional meaning that maybe there is more than the three-dimensional world that we can perceive. The “me” might be an element of another dimension that allows us to reason more critically. The existence of the soul might not have irrefutable proof, but lack of proof does not automatically discredit an idea. It is quite clear that scientists have not discovered everything, for instance, the existence of dreams. What if dreams are our soul’s way of communicating with us? Since these dreams occur involuntarily, one might argue that they stem from the anonymous entity that controls other involuntary processes in the body.

Accept the hypothesis as provisionally true:

The hypothesis that the body and “me” are two different entities seems to be true. Basing on the facts presented this statement is true. I am a soul existing in the confines of flesh.

Act accordingly:

Human beings are essentially made up of two parts the body and the soul. I do possess a soul, and that is what drives many of my actions or lack of it.

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