The parable of Socrates "Three Sieves", as a rule, is unknown to the general public. As well as information about himself. His teaching marks a sharp turn in philosophical thought. From the consideration of the world and nature, he went on to consider man. Thus, we are talking about the discovery of a new channel in ancient philosophy. About the parable of Socrates "Three Sieves" and his method will be described in the article.
Dialectic Disputes Method
Before proceeding with the consideration of the parable of Socrates "Three Sieves", we pay attention to his famous method. This philosopher from ancient Greece, who lived in the 5-4 centuries. BC e. in Athens, he applied the method of analysis of concepts (mayevtics and dialectics), and also identified the positive qualities inherent in man and his knowledge. Thus, he turned the attention of representatives of philosophical thought to the great importance of the personality of man.
The irony of Socrates lies in a hidden mockery of the self-confidence of people who imagine themselves to be "knowledgeable." He, addressing a question to his interlocutor, pretended to be a simpleton and asked a question relating to the topic in which he was knowledgeable.
The philosopher's questions were thought out in advance, they gradually led to a dead end of the interlocutor. As a result, he became confused in his judgments. By this Socrates deprived his vis-a-vis of arrogance, and discovered in his judgments contradictions and inconsistencies. When this part of the dialogue was completed, a joint search for true knowledge began.
Next, we turn directly to the presentation of the parable of Socrates "Three Sieves."
Content
Talking with Socrates, one person asked him a question:
“Do you know that one of your friends told me about you?”
“Wait,” the thinker stopped him, “first you need to sift through three screens what you want to tell me.”
- What it is?
- Remember that always, before you say anything, you need to sift it three times, through three sieves. Let's start with the first one. It is a sieve of truth. Please tell me, are you sure that what you want to convey to me is pure truth?
- No, I'm not sure, they just told me about it.
“So you are not responsible for the fact that your information is true.” Then move on to the next step. This is a sieve of kindness. Think and answer, do you have a desire to say something good in connection with my friend?
- Of course not, quite the contrary, I want to report bad news.
“Therefore,” Socrates continued, “you want to talk bad about a person, not being sure that this is true.” Then we turn to the third stage - the situation of benefit. Do you think there is a need for me to hear what you want to tell me?
- I believe that there is no special need for this.
“In the end,” the great thinker concluded, “that in what you planned to convey to me, there is no truth, no kindness, no good.” So why talk about it?
Morality
Through this parable attributed to Socrates, the following thought is expressed. If a person became aware of some negative information that is not significant, but can somehow harm the interlocutor, do not rush to transmit it. You need to think carefully about whether to take this step.
Upon closer examination of the parable, you can find an analogy with one of the biblical commandments, which says: "Do not judge, and you will be undefiled." Commenting on it, the Holy Fathers advise less talk about people and their affairs, which are not directly related to a person. Indeed, reasoning, it is easy to fall into condemnation, often unjustified.