The art of living1998

In modern times, philosophy has been a theoretical discipline rather than a practice or mode of life. In antiquity, however, Greek and Roman philosophers of all stripes turned to Socrates as the model of what a truly philosophical life should be. The idea of a philosophical life, and of philosophy as the art of living, though it is now in neglect among professional philosophers, has survived in the works of such major modern authors as Montaigne, Nietzsche, and Foucault. Why does each of these philosophers, fundamentally concerned with their own originality, return, like their ancient predecessors, to Socrates as their model? Why do they need a model at all? And why is the Socrates of Plato's dialogues suitable as a model? Uniquely, Socrates shows by example the way toward establishing an individual mode of life, a way that will not force his followers to repeat the life of Socrates but will compel them to search for their own.