Abstract: The goal of this study was to assess the Peter Thomas Geach’s observation that Socrates, as depicted in Plato’s Euthyphro not only commits what he(Geach) calls Socratic fallacy but also poses logical redundancy and ethical scepticism. With two objectives of assessing the extent of the abortive nature of Socratic definition and analyzing the impact of Socratic Definition on ethical reasoning, the study uses philosophical hermeneutical method to investigate the logic behind Socrates’ questioning attitude and the merits of elenchus on serious discussions in ethics. The study infers that Socrates’ demand for Formal definitions of concept is within the purview of logic and critical thinking. It is also deduced that questions of ethical nature deserve rigorous thought because they influence people’s decisions. As such decisions made out bad thinking lead to bad life, which is a greater evil that straining the mind.
Keywords: Socratic definition, Definiendum, Definiens, Aporia.
Title: A CRITIQUE OF PETER GEACH’S CONCEPTION OF SOCRATIC DEFINITION: ITS IMPLICATIONS ON ETHICAL REASONING
Author: Elvis Omondi Kauka
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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