Abstract

My dissertation considers an aspect of the Socratic method, the use of analogical arguments to discuss the moral virtues. The arguments surveyed make use of the art analogy since most if not all of the analogical arguments in the early dialogue are of this kind. ;In discussing these arguments the aim has been to assess their strength and to explore the relevance of analogy in philosophical reasoning. In this connection analogy, analogical argumentation and art as conceived in the dialogues are analyzed. ;Art is seen to be a craft, science or skill whose dealings with its subject matter initiate a process which terminates in an intended result or product. The practicality and predictability of its results, makes it initially a promising analogue of virtue. ;Socrates seems to make use of some of the analogical arguments to question the suitability of the art analogy as a paradigm for discussion of moral virtues. But the art analogy becomes of crucial importance in the defense and refutation of moral claims advanced by the analogical arguments as part of the elenchus, the main philosophic method of Socrates. ;If the analogy is pertinent, then it helps to establish a claim presented by the analogical argument as an inference from such an analogy. But if the analogy is unsuitable, then it assists in the refutation of the claim presented by the analogical argument constituted by an inference from such an analogy. But such analogy also makes the analogical argument with which it is connected weak. Socrates seems to have made conscious use of such weakness in the analogical arguments to focus attention on problems connected with the art analogy. In this connection the analogical arguments seem to partake of the paradox of the early dialogues in that their weakness seems to be their strength