Dear J
What relevance can 3000-year-old thoughts have in today’s world? We can assert that their evolution has shaped today’s thinking. But can it be learned as it is today? Why go back and learn? What’s the point of learning those ideas without learning about the old way of life?
Ravikumar
Dear Ravikumar
Knowing only a part of a system of thought does not mean knowing the whole thing. Even if you start thinking today, you will gradually get closer to Socrates. It is easier and less confusing to start with Socrates.
However, this is solely intended for individuals who are learning to think. Those who possess only a limited understanding do not require this comprehensive understanding. For instance, Aristotle’s logic guides the activities of simple practicing doctors. To practice medical techniques, they just need to learn modern medicine. There is no need to learn about Aristotle. But to understand the basic principles of modern medicine, one has to go back to Aristotle. To learn Aristotle, one must start with Socrates.
Jeyamohan
