Philosophical approaches to virtue and morality in Socrates and Buddha

¶ … Socrates vs. Buddha

Comparisons and Contrasts between Socrates and Buddha

In modern day philosophy there are a number of different ideas that were developed over the centuries, to help humankind to live a happy and moral life. Two of the classic thinkers who exemplify this kind of reasoning would be Socrates and Buddha. Where, both would discuss the importance of virtue and living a morally balanced life, in relation to the individual as well as their role within society. Yet, the times and backdrop; that these different philosophies were developed is vastly different. To fully understand the similarities and differences between the two strategies requires comparing them side by side. This will be accomplished by looking at: the traditions they are reacting to, the ideas / principals that are presented, the purpose of the each theory, how they are similar and how the respective societies responded to the various ideas. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to how the two philosophies have had an impact upon the way world interacts with one another.

Traditions they are reacting to?

In the Apology, Socrates is reacting to the traditions of Greek society by: not recognizing the Gods of the state, creating his own deities and corrupting the young people of Athens. Where, he is facing trial for not engaging in these socially acceptable activities at the time. This causes Socrates to go into a long speech, where he will confront his accusers by claiming that his actions stem from the oracle Delphi. At which point, he says that he is the wisest man in Athens, who is providing thought provoking ideas. Without such thinking in place, it would more than likely mean that Athens will fall into a false sense of immorality. While, he admits that his methods are controversial, their intention is to serve as way of awaking Athens from the long decline in morality that has been occurring. A good example of this can be seen in the passage where Socrates says, "The truth of the matter is likely to be this: that real wisdom is the property of the Gods, and this oracle is his way of telling us that human wisdom has no value." (Plato 33 -- 51) This is significant, because it shows how the ideas of society have little to no value. Instead, the Gods are using Socrates as a way of showing the most morally correct way to live your life. The controversial ideas that he is standing trail for, is his way of introducing these ideas to society.

In Buddhism, the original philosopher (Siddhartha Gautama) was born into a life of privilege. Where, at an early age he was taught the differences between the aristocracy and everyone else. This was common in East Asian society, as various rulers were thought to be descendants of the Gods. Therefore, nay kind of decisions that they make should be respected as the morally correct decision. In Buddhism, there is more of an emphasis on the transformation that someone will go through during the course of their lives. As they are able to gain morality and show virtue to others, through life experiences as well as deep concentration methods (meditation). This is significant, because it shows how societies often viewed someone as wise based upon their status. In Buddhism, this is the exact opposite of society, where experience and deep inward reflections will provide the greatest insights, as to how to most appropriately live your life. ("Buddhism" 193 -- 201)

The purpose of the each theory

The purpose of Socrates theory was to provide humankind with a more moral way of acting towards the world. As the different ideas presented, allowed for the individual to think and act from the moral high ground. Where, they can be able to use the ideas of good and justice, to steer them towards actions that will help people the most. Over the course of time, this will provide the individual with a sense of purpose and it will instill a tradition of serving society in selfless ways. (Plato 32 -37, 56 -- 69)

In Buddhism, the person who is immoral will be forced to learn morality through the principal of Karma. This is where they will learn how to morally behave, according to the world around them and the society that they live in, by engaging in selfless acts. Those who have moved passed the level of selfishness will begin to have true enlightenment. As they will see the world from a viewpoint of having the greatest impact possible. It is at this point that someone can experience a true understanding of themselves and society. ("Buddhism" 193 -- 201) What both theories provide is: a foundation for morally interacting, with society and various individuals on a daily basis. Where, the levels of goodness or selfishness, will determine the morality of an individual.

How are both ideas similar?

The way that both theories are similar, is that they provide a foundation as to how someone should treat and interact, with the world around them on a daily basis. Where, those individuals who are thinking only of themselves will have greater challenges, because they are lacking sense of goodness. At which point, they will be unhappy and react to the various events that occur in their lives negatively. Those who follow the ideas of acting above their own self-interest; will have a higher degree of morality, as they see the total impact of their actions upon society and the individual. At which point, they can have the greatest effect upon the world around them and within society. In this aspect, both theories are highlighting how the individual must see morality from the issue of the greater good. This is because both philosophies cause the individual, to question the actions that they have taken in the past. At which point, this will create an increased sense of self enlightenment.

How the respective societies responded to the various ideas?

Socrates would have a dramatic impact upon society, as the various ideas he presented would become a part of the moral code that is often cited, as a part of basic sociology. A good example of this can be seen with social contract theory. This simply states that humans are motivated by conscious / unconscious actions and the experiences, they have from different events. The ideas of good and justice can be directly seen with how humans react to various situations they face, either consciously or unconsciously. The underlying positive or negative experiences will shape how someone views the world around them. Those who can associate goodness and justice, to their actions will have the most positive effect, on the individual and within society. Over the centuries, this sense moral goodness has become a part of the moral standards within Western society itself. As those people, who follow the most socially acceptable practices will be viewed in a favorable light. ("Social Contract Theory")

In the case of Buddhism, the individual will experience increased self-awareness, because of religious doctrine of Karma. This would affect society, as individuals would see the life lessons that they are suppose to learn as way of gaining morality. Over the course of time, this provided a standard of acting for the benefit of the group (which is often embraced by Eastern religions and societies). However, with both theories, it is important to note, that not everyone will react the same way. Instead, each person will have different moral strengths and weakness that they will exhibit when trying to live by these philosophies. As a result, both will provide a good overview as to how someone should live their life. Yet, the way someone responds to different situations will depend upon the individual. (Brown, 34 -- 36)