Why did Socrates disagree with the Sophists?
The following dialogue brings to life an imagined modern-day exchange between Socrates and Protagoras, two prominent figures in Classical Greek philosophy. In their spirited debate, they discuss whether to take a traditional taxi or an Uber to a gathering they're both attending.
Socrates, the proponent of taxis, uses his characteristic Socratic Method to question the perceived superiority of Ubers. He argues from a stance that values tradition, regulation, and community, expressing skepticism towards the alleged freedoms and conveniences offered by newer, unregulated services. His arguments echo his belief in the inherent value of the past, the virtues of consistency and the dangers of unchecked self-interest.
Protagoras, one of the most renowned Sophists, argues for Uber, espousing the importance of choice, flexibility, and individual control in determining one's experiences. He appeals to the Sophist belief in the relativity of truth, the virtues of adaptability, and the empowerment of individual agency, underscoring the power of personal perception in shaping reality.
The debate unfolds humorously and heatedly, with each philosopher remaining true to their intellectual roots while navigating this modern dilemma. The dialogue serves as an allegory for their broader philosophical disagreements: Socrates' pursuit of objective truth, universal moral virtues, and his Socratic questioning versus Protagoras' relativism, rhetorical skills, and emphasis on subjective experience. Through their jocular, pointed exchange, we see the contrast between Socratic constancy and Sophistic wisdom play out in an unexpected, yet profoundly fitting, context.
Socrates: Good day, Protagoras. We are to attend the same gathering, are we not? Shall we share a ride? I propose we take a taxi.
Protagoras: Socrates, always delightful to see you! I must disagree, though, and suggest we take an Uber.
Socrates: A fine suggestion, but may I ask you why you prefer Uber over the traditional taxi?
Protagoras: Well, Socrates, it's simple - it's about convenience, choice, and flexibility. Uber, as I perceive it, gives us control over our travel with its superior app and allows us to choose the driver and type of car that best suits us.
Socrates: So, Protagoras, are you implying that convenience is superior to tradition? And that choice and flexibility are superior to a standard, regulated experience?
Protagoras: Indeed, Socrates. A man's measure of travel is defined by his choices and flexibility, not by rigid regulations.
Socrates: Interesting. Yet, do we not lose something in this quest for convenience? Does a regulated taxi service not ensure that every driver is vetted and every fare set at a fair rate?
Protagoras: Socrates, your definition of fairness seems skewed. Is it not fair that a driver and rider agree on a price without the interference of a regulator? It's not about losing, it's about gaining - gaining power over our choices.
Socrates: But, Protagoras, are we truly gaining power? Are we not rather becoming slaves to convenience, losing our sense of camaraderie with the taxi drivers, losing our connection with the city, its roads, and its rules?
Protagoras: Ah, Socrates, your sentimentality does become tiresome. Perhaps you are afraid of the future, preferring to cling to your comfortable past.
Socrates: And perhaps, Protagoras, you are too hasty to embrace a future that tosses aside the wisdom of tradition in the pursuit of convenience and false autonomy.
Protagoras: False autonomy? It's an autonomy that allows me to get a ride whenever I want, however I want. Your 'wisdom of tradition' seems more like a fear of change to me.
Socrates: Ah, the good old 'fear of change' argument! Tell me, Protagoras, does an old dog yelp because he fears change, or because he knows a bad deal when he sees one?
Protagoras: The dog yelps because he knows not the joy of riding in a plush Uber, Socrates.
Socrates: Or perhaps, dear Protagoras, the dog yelps because he knows not how to operate the flashy gadget to summon this 'plush Uber'.
Protagoras: Your humor, Socrates, is as dry as the Attic olives. Perhaps, if you let go of your stubbornness, you could taste the sweetness of modernity.
Socrates: And perhaps, Protagoras, your love of modernity blinds you to the bitterness it leaves behind.
