A Philosophical Analysis of Socratic Dictum “Man Know Thyself” And It’s Impact on Man and the Society

Abstract

This paper seeks to underscore the fact that Socratic call for self-knowledge and awareness is replete in his dictum of "man know  thyself". As exemplified by Socrates the issue of self-knowledge is crucial to whatever proceeds out of man. It is imperative to understand  that Socrates considers himself a midwife who is involved in the birth of ideas. In his theory of knowledge, Socrates taught  that he does not have answers to give but only helps others to discover knowledge from within themselves. This analogy that is used by  Socrates implies that knowledge resides in an individual which also corresponds with the theory of innatism as propounded by the rationalists. This “knowing of self” is a life examination.. The paper revolves around the following questions, what is the extent of  selfknowledge? Is this Socrates. assertion "Man know thyself" all about a person? Is this knowledge of the self wholly physical or  metaphysical or is it a combination of both the physical, epistemological, metaphysical, ethical and social? What actually is the benefit of  this self-knowledge? This work contends that, self-knowledge is the foundation to individual and societal growth. Self-knowledge creates  a platform where people will without hesitation or resistance of any kind be completely aware of their personality to enhance moral and  mutual co-existence. Using the method of critical analysis, this paper concludes that self-examination which leads to self-discovery is  imperative in liberating an individual and the society from epistemic ignorance or naivety.