What does this book cover?

How to Think Like Socrates explores three key aspects of Socrates' life and times:

1. The life of Socrates: It delves into the personal and historical context of Socrates' life.
2. The philosophy and techniques of Socrates: It examines Socratic philosophy and techniques, particularly the Socratic method.
3. The historical backdrop of Greece during the time of Socrates: It provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of ancient Greece during Socrates' time. The book also serves as a practical guide, demonstrating how to apply Socratic principles to address modern challenges such as anger and anxiety.

Robertson explains Socratic philosophy as he narrates the story of the life and times of Socrates.

How is this book structured?

Like his previous work, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, Robertson begins with the end. The book opens with the trial of Socrates, culminating in his forced consumption of hemlock. This dramatic opening sets the stage, then traces the life and teachings of the "father of philosophy," exploring the valuable lessons we can learn 2,400 years after his death. 

The strengths of the book

In-depth Exploration of the Socratic Method: Robertson provides an exceptional analysis of the Socratic method, emphasizing its core principle: starting with the assumption of ignorance and then rigorously questioning assumptions to arrive at true understanding. This contrasts sharply with rhetoric, which often aims to obscure rather than illuminate the truth.

Practical Application to Modern Life: As a psychotherapist, Robertson skillfully bridges ancient philosophy with modern psychology, demonstrating the relevance of Socratic thinking in addressing contemporary challenges.

Beyond Theoretical Exposition: Unlike many self-help books, Robertson emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and self-examination. The Socratic method encourages individuals to analyze their own beliefs and assumptions, rather than blindly accepting pre-packaged solutions.

Engaging Biographical Context: The book seamlessly integrates the life and times of Socrates with his philosophical teachings, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of Socrates as a historical figure.

Vivid Historical Context: Robertson effectively paints a vivid picture of ancient Greece, enabling readers to understand the social, political, and cultural context in which Socrates lived and taught

This book encourages the reader to question everything – not just the constant barrage of information and opinions bombarding us on social media, but also their own deeply held beliefs and assumptions.  Robertson shows how, by practicing the Socratic method, you can learn to dig beneath the surface and uncover what truly matters to you, rather than getting swept away by emotional knee-jerk reactions or blindly accepting the opinions of others.

How to Think Like Socrates aims to show the reader how to use Socratic thinking in their life, from improving their critical thinking skills to navigating difficult conversations and achieving personal growth.

Final word

How to Think Like Socrates is an exceptional introduction to Socratic philosophy. This is arguably Robertson's finest work to date. His engaging storytelling style makes the subject matter both accessible and captivating. As readers immerse themselves in the narrative, they simultaneously learn valuable philosophical lessons and gain deeper insights into their own thinking patterns.

Robertson breathes life into Socratic philosophy in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.  How to Think Like Socrates is highly recommended for anyone interested in philosophy or personal growth. It is a great resource for those seeking to develop critical thinking skills and live a more meaningful life.

How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World by Donald Robertson, St. Martin’s Press. https://amzn.to/4jU2CwB

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