Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.34075/cs.56.3.1
Pierre Hadot's Socrates or the challenge of the practicality of ancient philosophy
Daniel Miščin
orcid.org/0000-0003-0422-3124
; Faculty of philosophy and religious sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Observing the basic thought of the French philosopher Pierre Hadot (1922-2010) in the light of Heidegger's belief that a serious thinker can think only one thought, it is clear what Hadot's main idea is: ancient philosophy is in its essence directed to practical purpose, i.e. ennobling (one's own) life. That is why ancient philosophy in the eminent sense is "self-care." In this sense, Socrates can be considered a paradigm of such endeavors. Moreover, Hadot connects the practicality of ancient philosophy with Christian spiritual exercises. This was made possible by the influence of ancient metaphysics on early Christianity. With this in mind, the author in dialogue with Hadot considers the possibility of renewing a modern understanding of philosophy and overcoming its crisis. This is possible precisely in the wake of the ancient understanding of philosophy as "self-care".
Keywords
Hadot; Socrates; Nietzsche; philosophy; spiritual exercises
Hrčak ID:
265753
URI
Publication date:
30.11.2021.
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