On Conversation’s Pedagogical Dimension

About Socrates and the Care of the Self

Abstract

This text is constructed from some observations from which conversation is thought as a practice that promotes interaction and ethical recognition among humans. In this case, the purpose of this reflection will not lead the reader to think of conversation as a characteristic of human language, but to consider conversation as a pedagogical act by virtue of which we can strengthen our concern about ourselves and social cohesion with others. To outline the scope of this argument, we will take some comments from Socrates’ life, especially those in which conversation is exalted as an exercise which allowed him to challenge the citizens of Athens to take care of themselves, of their soul. Then it will be shown that for Socrates conversation is the tool with which it is possible to educate men to be virtuous or excellent citizens. From this perspective, this essay aims two things, first, that in conversation the objective is not to impose ideas or truths, but to encourage self-discovery, rational debate or moderation; and second, that conversation is par excellence the political act by virtue of which men become aware of the importance they have as citizens and how transcendental are such practices for the city.