Comparisons and contrasts between 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 ideas / principals that are presented

At the heart of the ideas presented by Socrates, is the Socratic Method. This is when the individual is examining the ideas of: good and justice, in relations to society in general. Where, it is designed to force someone to question their existing beliefs about life. Once this takes place, is when the individual will begin to embrace the basic values of morality to include: no one desires evil, no one intentionally engages in actions to cause harm, virtues are a part of all knowledge and virtue is necessary for true happiness. This is significant, because it shows how one can be able to utilize these principals to live a happier and fuller life, in comparison with the normally accepted social standards. (Plato 32 -37, 56 -- 69)

In Buddhism there is the belief in Karma. This when people are constantly being reborn based upon their life experiences. Where, someone is born into a particular class or station in life, to learn those lessons that they failed to learn in a past life. As a result, this belief has lead to the formation of three fundamental principles to include: life will lead to suffering / challenges', suffering is caused by people who act selfish and suffering ends when the individuals stop being selfish. Once someone has gone through these different stages, they will have a spiritual transformation, by following the morally correct path laid out by Buddha. (Brown 34 -- 36) A good example of this can be seen in the passage from the text where it says, "The middle way avoids both these ends. It is enlightened, it brings clear vision, it makes for wisdom and leads to peace, insight, enlightenment and nirvana." ("Buddhism" 198 -- 199) This is significant, because it shows that when someone acts in selfless way, they can have a true sense of peace and happiness.

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.