Socrates (469-399 BC)

Socrates was a devout believer in the eternity and rebirth of the soul. Therefore, he was a theologian as well as a man of mature intellect. He pointed out that knowledge can only be obtained through intellect and truth can only be seen through intellect. In short, he said, knowledge comes from an alternative.

Socrates’ philosophy of cognition, which sophisticated the sophists, was based on the premise that alternative knowledge is based on logic, that all objects must be guided by reason, that mica objects must be adapted to the intellect, that alternatives must be deduced, and that alternatives must be derived from excitatory reasoning. He says the foundation is intelligence.

An example of excitatory reasoning-

All men are mortal.

Socrates is a man

Socrates is mortal.

(Excerpt: The Logic of the Kaynesias Palihawadhana)

The other part of Socrates’ philosophy approaches ethics. He was guided to gain wisdom by finding the way to good behavior. The central element of many of his philosophies was also proclaim that knowledge or goodness is one.

Socrates was brought before the court 399 BC. He was accused of saying that Socrates did not worship the deities worshiped by state, that he professed other doctrines, and that he corrupted the minds of young people by teaching them his philosophy.

(Nuwani Ariyarathna)