The influence of Socrates on the world and the future is undeniable. Through his teachings and philosophy, Socrates has shaped the way we think about ethics, knowledge, and the pursuit of truth. His method of questioning and critical thinking has inspired countless thinkers and scholars throughout history, and continues to influence the way we approach problems and seek understanding. Socrates’ commitment to intellectual and moral integrity serves as a timeless example for individuals seeking to lead a meaningful and examined life. His bold questioning of societal norms and values has paved the way for social and political change in Africa, challenging African people to think critically about their beliefs and actions. Moreover, Socrates’ legacy has had a lasting impact on the African students through the study of philosophy, education, and psychology, contributing to the development of new ideas and movements that continue to shape Africa today.
It is undeniable that Socrates moral values need to be adopted in subsequent African societies. African students need to adopt the basis for social order. Social order is used in the normative sense to depict normal functioning of society in such a way that individuals and institutions within the society experience development.
We cannot forget Socrates so soon, for according to him, “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Granted this, we must re-examine our moral pedigrees from the individual and state perspectives if we are to ensure the desired level of social order that will promote development in Africa. Morality presupposes human well-being both at the societal and individual levels. If this is the case, moral values are not ends in themselves as such but tools which should be tailored towards arriving at our goals.
Let us make a disclaimer at this juncture. It is not that Africans do not understand what it means to be moral and what moral values are all about. Which means that inspite of their knowledge of morality, state of things are not as desirable as they ought to be. The problem then is that the non-application and non-internalization of these moral values have been due largely to the inaction of the states in Africa that have foisted undue political and economic pressures on the individuals, who then have no choice but to resort to unethical means of attaining livelihood and survival.
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The Socrates Moral Values for African Students
Socrates emphasis on self-knowledge, virtue, and the pursuit of wisdom to leave an indelible mark on both the contemporaries and future generations. Here are the socrates moral values for African students
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Ethics and Education
Ethics and Education Socrates left is an indelible mark on the world through his profound influence on ethics and education. His philosophical teachings greatly shaped the ethical principles that would guide generations to come. Socratic philosophy emphasized the importance of self-reflection and moral inquiry, paving the way for a deeper understanding of ethics.
In Socratic philosophy, ethical principles were not regarded as immutable truths but rather as subjects for critical examination. Socrates believed that by relentlessly questioning and scrutinizing our beliefs and actions, we could uncover the underlying principles that govern our morality. This emphasis on self-reflection aimed to cultivate a virtuous individual who actively engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and moral understanding. Moreover, Socrates’ teachings extended beyond ethics to the realm of education. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and dialectic reasoning as fundamental tools for intellectual growth. Socratic pedagogy focused on encouraging students to think independently, questioning conventional wisdom and assumptions. And this why it important for African students to adopt the socrates moral values.
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Adjustments of attitude towards democratic values
We cannot overlook the role of the government and state in promoting social order which will make the proper application of moral values possible. For instance, when government derives its legitimacy through the people and not just through the military coups, kangaroo elections and one party dictatorship that have become the trade mark of most African states. This is buttressed by the fact that leadership successions through democratic process have become so difficult that most African leaders are replaced in office through coup d’etats or sudden deaths.
In similar vein, government economic policies should be such that allows the unfettered development of the weakest individual in society. The state has the obligation to protect the interest and welfare of the less well-off in society. The essence of the foregoing is that since we cannot reverse the movement of capitalism in most African states, with some of its perceived threat to economic dependent ones, government can continue to foster such measures that will make it possible for the ordinary citizens to enjoy the benefit of living.
The solution to our moral problem and social order in Africa would then require readjustments in our attitude towards democratic values such as justice and freedom, and governance and the necessary educational orientation, which is not predicated on the fetish of material development which governments in Africa tend to encourage. Rather, it should be based more fundamentally on educational orientation, both at formal and informal levels, that develops human mind to strive for excellence, integrity, justice and happy life based on reciprocal obligation.
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Teaching and Learning
Socrates believed that true knowledge is innate and can be brought forth through critical thinking and questioning. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and inquiry as tools for learning and understanding. African students adopting this moral values will help to mutually shape societies and individuals understanding.
Socrates believed that, the teacher acts as a facilitator rather than an authority figure. Rather than simply providing information, the teacher engages students in a process of inquiry, challenging their existing beliefs and encouraging them to think critically. This method, known as the Socratic Method, involves asking probing questions to stimulate reflection and foster deeper understanding. One of the key aspects of Socratic teaching is the concept of intellectual humility. Socrates emphasized the importance of recognizing the limits of our own knowledge and being open to questioning and learning from others. This humility is essential for intellectual growth and the pursuit of truth. Socratic teaching also emphasizes the development of moral and ethical reasoning. By engaging in dialogue and challenging assumptions, students are encouraged to examine their own beliefs and values and consider the ethical implications of their actions. Socrates believed that education should not only focus on intellectual growth but also on the development of virtuous character.
