ETHICS
Philosophical Exercise: Socratic Definition
The following philosophical exercise is designed to exhibit the overall
structure, and to prompt the exercise, of Socratic universal definition (eidos)
by enumerative induction (epagōgē) (without irony or interlocutor!).
A. Assignment: Socratic
definition starts with the question “What is X?” Your question: What is
Value?
B.
Directions
1. List ten (10) “objects”
(things, relationships, conditions, ideals, goals, etc.) of value. Select
objects that are very different in kind or type. Samples:
a yacht is a material object of value, health is a physical state
of value, friendship is an interpersonal relationship of value,
justice is a social condition of value, money is an economic
object value, truth is a cognitive condition of value, etc.
1. _____________________________________________
2.
_____________________________________________
3.
_____________________________________________
4.
_____________________________________________
5.
_____________________________________________
6.
_____________________________________________
7.
_____________________________________________
8.
_____________________________________________
9.
_____________________________________________
10.
____________________________________________
2. Extract, abstract, or
generalize five (5) types or kinds of value from the list of ten
particular objects given in #1. These should be classes or categories that
are more general than, and therefore inclusive of, the specific items given
in #1.
1. _____________________________________________
2.
_____________________________________________
3.
_____________________________________________
4.
_____________________________________________
5.
_____________________________________________
3. Try to discern or
define the common characteristic, essential trait, or core meaning shared by
the types of value listed in #2. This should be formulated at the
highest level of generality, the universal concept or essential definition.
Accordingly, it should be comprehensive, all-inclusive, generic, and purely
formal. All types of value should be covered by this encompassing
definition.
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