Socrates and eLearning.
Philosophy and Technological Education.
Ancient and Modern world.
One of the best initiatives that has ever been undertaken by P2L and is actually the highest purpose for bringing two different worlds together. Raising awareness about issues that affect us on the global, local, or even personal level.
The one-sided approach to education ends with P2L. As a writer, learner, and, most importantly, human being, I am a part of that remarkable transformation.
From the introduction, I hope it’s clear that this isn’t the usual blog article. This isn’t a blog post you will read and think, “Oh, what a waste of time that was.”
And don’t get me wrong, that’s not due to my writing abilities, even though I really hope that helps.
That’s because this is a groundbreaking theme. But without further ado, let’s get to our topic.
Socrates – Pursuit of Truth
Socrates, above all else, was an engaging personality. Yes, he was a philosopher. Yes, he was famous. I also get that he is a historical figure.
But Plato actually gives us the account that Socrates is someone who will challenge you until the end of time. His ability to argue about his beliefs was impeccable.
It didn’t matter who it was that engaged in dialogue with him. Everyone was seen in the same way by Socrates.
Everyone was seen as a person who is far away from the actual good. Far away from the truth.
Socrates – Argumentation
Socrates was there to lead them to the truth, even if that meant that everyone was frustrated with him, wanted to punch him in the mouth, and even ostracise him from the city.
His speech, the power of his argument, and most importantly, the administration of justice in his soul was too much for his enemies. They managed to kill him, but his soul managed to stay alive, and his spirit will probably survive until the end of time.
Socrates was the man that would play on a team, lose the basketball game by 50 points, and then convince everyone on the court that his team won.
And they would believe him because he would construct an argument to which there could be no counterargument.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t always a smooth process for Socrates.
He wasn’t always the man everybody feared because he could beat them with polite words and powerful arguments.
Socrates – Values
Socrates started as a learner. In the same way that everyone starts, either in the self-paced web platform of e-Learning, or at a university with professors and students constantly practicing their work as individual philosophers or individual rhetoricians.
Don’t get me wrong; there’s a strong connection between the two here, and it’s crucial to identify it.
The connection has to do with three essential values: Discipline, Humbleness, and Curiosity.
Discipline
Socrates had the discipline to state that he didn’t know everything. He knew that, sometimes, he lacked significant knowledge.
Even if it’s an e-learning process, being on your high-horse or even humble-bragging about the things you have or are on track to achieve is actually an anti-Platonic value.
Humility
Humbleness is the second value that isn’t focused on discipline, but about challenging others and even challenging your inner soul.
Only humbleness comes with challenging yourself and also challenging others but pay attention. Even in the modern-day process of challenging education and learning, you will have to do that with respect and humility.
This is the only way it will work for your interest and the other person’s benefit. If the challenge comes from a place of arrogance, it won’t be deliberative, and it will not be Socratic in any shape or form.
Curiosity
The last value is curiosity.
When it comes to deliberative learning, interest won’t kill the cat, but will make it a more intelligent animal. Human beings are rational and reflective animals.
When you see something, even within the e-Learning process, continue to be more curious because the ends satisfy the means.
After several years of studying Socrates, I firmly believe that when it comes to modern-day processes such as e-Learning, people should consider these Platonic values.
They will push them to achieve the next level while also spreading awareness and helping others to reach new limits, with the end goal being clarity, peace, justice, and knowledge.