Human Wisdom Analysis

What does it mean to be wise?

What does it mean to be wise? Is it the specialization of one thing or the knowledge of many? Perhaps it is determined by your age or experience? Well according to Socrates, arguably one of the world’s greatest philosophers, human wisdom can be characterized as knowing what one does know. What he means by this definition is that there are limits to our knowledge and understanding of things, and we must be aware of that. This definition is an adequate account of the concept because Socrates, himself is considered a credible source, he took time out research this idea to justify his claim, and he possesses the quality of wisdom himself. Socrates definition of human wisdom proves that the allegations held against him were false and therefore his death was not warranted.

Socrates was a great philosopher. At a young age, he began exploring the idea of “what makes us good human” (Brumbaugh, 231).

He possesses the qualities by his account but also by the assignment of others. According to Socrates the definition of human wisdom is the acknowledgment and understanding of the limitations to solely crediting one 's knowledge of things. Socrates showed that he possessed these qualities when he acknowledged that there are unique skills and perspectives that people of other trades have, such as poets and craftsmen (Plato 22c-d). Even though he did not necessarily possess these qualities himself, he felt like they were something to be admired (Plato 22c-d). Socrates labeled as wise by others. Others such as Plato and the Oracle have also attested to Socrates’ wisdom by looking to him as an inspiration and deeming that “none is wiser than he” (Plato 21c). Socrates was a wise man because his knowledge did not restrain him and his wisdom was not contained to him. He wanted to learn more and know more and encouraged others to do the same. That being said, Socrates became a victim of his wisdom because of other 's