This blog is a reflection based on videos shared by Prof. Dr. D. P. Barad about the life and philosophy of Socrates. The aim is to share what I learned from them and how his ideas still connect to the way we think, question, and live today.
Who Was Socrates?
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| A classical marble bust of Socrates, showing his contemplative gaze and rugged features , a timeless reminder of the philosopher who questioned everything. |
Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher, born in Athens around 470 BCE. He is often called the father of Western philosophy, not because he wrote great texts , in fact, he wrote nothing at all ,but because of the way he lived and taught. Our knowledge of Socrates comes mainly from his students, especially Plato, who wrote dialogues featuring Socrates as a central figure. After watching the videos shared in the blog by Prof. Dr . D. P. Barad, I understood that Socrates was not a teacher in the traditional sense. He didn’t give lectures or claim to have all the answers. Instead, he believed in asking questions, deep ,uncomfortable, thought provoking ones to help people examine their beliefs and values.
He spent most of his time in the streets and public places of Athens, talking to ordinary citizens, including craftsmen, poets, and politicians. His goal was not to embarrass them, but to help them realise how little they actually knew. He believed that wisdom begins with self-awareness , knowing that we don’t know everything. What made his life even more meaningful was that he lived his philosophy. He didn’t change his ideas to please others or escape trouble. Even when he was put on trial for corrupting the youth and disrespecting the gods, he stood firm in his beliefs. He was sentenced to death but chose not to escape, proving that for him, staying true to one’s principles was more important than life itself. In today’s world, where people often change opinions just to fit in, Socrates’ life feels deeply inspiring.
The Trial of Socrates: When Questions Became Dangerous ;
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| Jacques‑Louis David’s painting The Death of Socrates captures the tension of his trial and ultimate choice ,peacefully embracing death rather than abandoning his principles. |
One of the most eye-opening parts of the videos shared in Dr . D. P. Barad’s blog was the account of Socrates’ trial. As someone living in a democratic country like India, I always believed that freedom of speech and thought were basic rights. But the trial of Socrates made me realise that even in the world’s earliest democracy, ancient Athens ,truth could become uncomfortable, and uncomfortable truths could be punished. Socrates was brought to trial in 399 BCE, accused of corrupting the minds of the youth and of impiety, or disrespecting the gods worshipped by the state.
At first, these charges seem vague and almost symbolic. But when you dig deeper, it becomes clear that Socrates’ real “crime” was encouraging people , especially the younger generation , to question authority, challenge tradition, and think for themselves. He didn’t lead protests or break laws. All he did was ask questions that revealed the ignorance and hypocrisy of those in power. His method made people reflect, which not everyone liked. Some felt humiliated, others insecure. In the eyes of the powerful, Socrates had become dangerous , not because he knew everything, but because he showed them how little they knew.
As a student, this made me reflect on situations in our own society , when people are silenced for asking questions, when youth are told not to challenge traditions, or when emotional narratives are used to avoid facing hard realities. Socrates’ trial is not just ancient history; it’s a mirror we still need to look into. It reminds us that even in a democracy, critical thinking can be seen as rebellion, and that the courage to question is what truly keeps freedom alive.
The Socratic Method: Learning Through Dialogue ;
One of the most important contributions of Socrates to philosophy and education is what we now call the Socratic Method. After watching the videos linked in Dr . D. P. Barad’s blog, I realised that this method is not just about asking questions, it’s about creating a space where real thinking can happen. Socrates never claimed to be a teacher in the traditional sense. Instead, he saw himself as a midwife , helping others "give birth" to their own ideas by questioning them, step by step.
The Socratic Method works through conversation, a calm, logical back-and-forth where each answer is followed by a deeper question. This helps to uncover contradictions in thought and forces the person to think beyond surface-level understanding. Unlike debates, where the goal is to win, Socratic dialogue is meant to reach deeper truths. What I found interesting is that this method doesn’t require any books, technology, or classrooms , just two people, a question, and a willingness to think openly.
In today’s world, especially in classrooms or on social media, we often focus more on giving opinions than understanding them. The Socratic Method reminds us to slow down and ask: Why do I believe this? What assumptions am I making? What if the opposite is true? Even in literature, this method can help us go beyond the plot, to explore the author’s message, the reader’s interpretation, and the historical or political context. It’s not just a technique; it’s a mindset.
I’ve started trying this approach in my own conversations, not to challenge people aggressively, but to understand their thinking better. Sometimes it surprises them, sometimes it leads to meaningful discussion. And sometimes, it even helps me realise that my own views need rethinking. In that sense, the Socratic Method isn’t just about learning from others , it’s about learning with others.
Socrates in Today’s World: Still Asking the Right Questions
Even though Socrates lived in ancient Greece, his ideas feel surprisingly modern in today’s digital world. His way of questioning everything including politics, religion, and social values, challenges us even now. In an age where emotional appeals and viral content often replace verified facts, Socratic thinking teaches us to pause and ask, “Is this really true?” We often see people accepting WhatsApp forwards or YouTube rants without question, especially during elections or social unrest. Take, for example, how people believed exaggerated or false claims during recent protests or riots, such as the communal narratives pushed during the Delhi riots or the misinformation surrounding the hijab debate. In both cases, strong emotions shaped public opinion more than facts did. Socrates believed that a citizen’s duty is not to follow the crowd but to think independently, and that feels more relevant now than ever.
Socratic thinking also plays an important role in how we engage with education and culture today. In classrooms, students often hesitate to question what is being taught, fearing they might be wrong. But Socrates taught that questioning is not disrespectful it is a form of learning. His method reminds us that true understanding doesn’t come from memorising facts but from examining and discussing them. I could relate this to the way many people blindly follow social media influencers, historians, or even teachers, without engaging critically with their ideas. The concept of “histofluencers” people who simplify or twist historical facts to suit their agendas is a perfect example. Socrates would have likely asked them, “How do you know this? What proof do you have?” In a time where loud opinions are mistaken for knowledge, his calm and honest inquiry remains deeply powerful.
What strikes me most is how Socratic thinking can be used not just in politics or education, but in everyday life. In conversations with friends or even family members, I’ve found that asking the right questions often opens minds more than making strong arguments. Instead of telling someone they’re wrong, just asking them why they believe something can lead to reflection. This is especially important in a society where many people feel offended or defensive when their views are questioned. Socrates didn’t argue to win, he argued to understand. And I think that’s something we can all learn from, especially in a time where truth is often lost in noise.
Personal Reflection: What Socrates Taught Me About Thinking
Before watching these videos, I only knew Socrates as a name from history, someone important in philosophy. But now, I see him differently. His courage to ask difficult questions, to stand by his truth even in front of death, and to accept that “I know that I know nothing” has left a deep impact on me. As someone who often overthinks things and tries to make sense of people’s behaviour and beliefs, I’ve realised how valuable this kind of questioning really is. Socrates didn’t just teach us to question others, but also ourselves, and that’s something I’ve started doing more consciously. I often find myself in situations where popular opinions are treated as facts, whether it's in discussions about religion, politics, or even simple everyday topics. Being a student of literature, I’ve learned to read deeply but Socrates made me realize that thinking deeply is just as important. Sometimes in class or on social media, I hesitate to ask a question that goes against the flow, just to avoid arguments. But now I feel that honest questions are not a sign of disrespect , they’re a sign of engagement. Whether it's discussing a controversial poem or challenging a biased news clip, I now try to approach it with a Socratic spirit, not to prove someone wrong, but to understand what lies beneath the surface.
His calm, thoughtful resistance against blind belief made me reflect on how easily we accept things just because everyone else does. That one line “The unexamined life is not worth living” has stayed with me. It feels like a reminder not just for philosophers, but for all of us who want to live with awareness and honesty. Socrates didn’t just teach philosophy he lived it. And through these videos and reflections, I feel a little closer to that idea of living thoughtfully too.
Videos Worth Watching
Here are some of the videos that helped shape my understanding of Socrates. If you're interested in exploring his life, method, and philosophy more deeply, these are a great place to start.
Conclusion :
Socrates may have lived centuries ago, but his thoughts continue to challenge and inspire us even today. In a world full of distractions, quick opinions, and emotional noise, his calm, questioning voice reminds us to slow down and think for ourselves. Whether it’s a political debate, a classroom discussion, or a personal belief, asking honest questions can lead us closer to the truth. For students, especially those in literature or humanities, Socratic thinking isn’t just an academic tool it’s a way of life. It helps us stay curious, stay humble, and stay open to learning, always. In the end, maybe that’s what makes Socrates timeless, not his knowledge, but his courage to keep searching for it.
Work Citation
“A Lesson From Socrates That Will Change The Way You Think.” YouTube, youtu.be/yH86jaBQ0F4. Accessed 13 July 2025.
“The Trial of Socrates (Plato’s Apology).” YouTube, youtu.be/5-gyTgFjuIg. Accessed 13 July 2025.
“This Tool Will Help Improve Your Critical Thinking - Erick Wilberding.” YouTube, youtu.be/vNDYUlxNIAA. Accessed 13 July 2025.
“Socrates .” YouTube, youtu.be/zo04J4l2fpk. Accessed 13 July 2025.
“Socrates .” https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2024/06/socrates.html.
If you enjoyed reading, feel free to leave a comment, share your thoughts, and share this blog with others who might find it meaningful. Let’s keep the conversation going ,just like Socrates would have wanted.
Well done 👍
ReplyDeleteWell done 👍🏻
ReplyDeleteThank you Mansi and Raaji ✨😊
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