Martha Woodruff

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Socrates, as interpreted in Plato’s dramatic dialogues, remains one of the most influential yet enigmatic philosophers. Claiming a divine role as “gadfly to the state,” Socrates engaged in debates on the streets, posed questions to everyone, and criticized those in power. While Socrates loved Athens, his city put him to death. How does Socratic citizenship by critique speak to us today? How might (ironic) Socratic wisdom (“I know that I do not know”) help us with learning? Why did Martin Luther King invoke Socrates and call for “non-violent gadflies” in civil rights work?