Open Socrates

Callard draws our attention to Socrates' startling discovery that we don't know how to ask ourselves the most important questions- about how we should live, and how we might change. Before a person even has a chance to reflect, their bodily desires or the forces of social conformity have already answered on their behalf. To ask the most important questions, we need help. Callard argues that the true ambition of the famous "Socratic method" is to reveal what one human being can be to another. You can use another person in many ways-for survival, for pleasure, for comfort- but you are engaging them to the fullest when you call on them to help answer your questions and challenge your answers.