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" For no wise human...will allow that any human being errs voluntarily, or voluntarily does evil and dishonorable actions;..." So sociopaths don't exist? Plat
by woodandsteel 7y ago
" For no wise human...will allow that any human being errs voluntarily, or voluntarily does evil and dishonorable actions;..."
So sociopaths don't exist? Plato seems to be assuming that all humans are the same in what they find pleasurable or painful, which is obviously not at all the case. In particular, sociopaths don't feel painful guilt over things that normal people do.
I assume that Plato's reasoning on this issue is due to his dualistic, idealistic metaphysics.
I am wondering if the Straussians follow Plato on this matter.
- ttonkytonk 7y agoI think the argument would be that psychopaths don't really know they are doing evil, with their lack of shame being a direct consequence.
- woodandsteel 7y agoYes, you could say that. But the idea behind what Protagoras is that if you could get people to reason well about what brings them pain and pleasure then they would always behave in a morally good manner, but for psychopaths that just wouldn't work.
- ttonkytonk 7y agoI think you are wrong.
- woodandsteel 7y agoPeople who have tried have consistently failed. That includes Plato himself with Alcebiades. I have the strong impression that you don't know any philosophy, and also don't know much psychology.
- ttonkytonk 7y agoConsidering that Socrates himself maintained that he knew nothing, I'll take that as a compliment.
- ttonkytonk 7y agoNevertheless I apologize for the invective and appreciate you responding. As soon as I think of a suitable continuation of the argument I will respond (it may take awhile).