“I KNOW THAT I KNOW NOTHING”: THE EPISTEMOLOGICAL STANCE OF SOCRATES

Abstract

The article explores and analyzes the meaning of the concept of “thinking”. Particular attention is paid to the philosophical system of Socrates, in particular his methodological and epistemological approaches to the study of human nature. The essence and specificity of the interpretation of thinking in the philosophy of the ancient Greek thinker are clarified. The emphasis is on the method of maieutics as a way of “birth” of truth through dialogical interaction. Philosophy is considered as a special form of knowledge focused on acquiring wisdom. The impact of modern innovative technologies on the process of human thinking is separately analyzed. The main aspects and types of thinking are highlighted, in particular abstract and critical. Socrates’ position on skepticism and dogmatism is determined. The main attention is focused on understanding the Socratic statement: “I know that I know nothing”, which is considered a key factor in the process of knowing science, the world and man himself. It is emphasized that in the process of perception and cognition of reality, an important role is played by the dialectical method of Socrates, aimed at the constant development of both science and human thinking. It is noted that the views on the concept of “thinking” of representatives of ancient Greek philosophy and the rationalist direction of the New Age are noted. The article also reveals modern problems caused by the perception of the world through the prism of relativistic ideas. Particular attention is focused on the fact that such views contribute to the growth of egoism and the intensification of social tension. Separately, debatable issues related to the relationship between subjective and objective truth are raised. The study also mentions criticism of Socratic philosophy.