For my argument I decided to focus on the
section titled Socrates on Self-Mastery, in which it illustrates how the ideals
of addiction are perceived by the great greek philosopher socrates: Socrates
believes that a persons ability to combat addiction is based in knowledge, one
must have the knowledge to consciously make the correct decision in regards to
their life. Brody point is that argues that a person is only ignorant
toward the addiction for a moment; the addict not being able to see the
"better alternative"(47).
I agree with Brody's interpretation of
Socrates theories; people only succumb to their addiction when they interpret
it as "the best option." This perfectly exemplifies how people
can easily fall victim to addiction. They start justifying their habits with
phrases like there isn't anything better to do, or it's just one drink. Brody
references this as the "failure of ability/knowledge" this failure or
momentary lapse of judgment directly correlates to the prominent philosopher Socrates' statement of "knowledge can provide a means of circumventing temptation"
(46) this statement by Socrates
epitomizes how addicts everywhere must acquire the
knowledge of their addiction before they can focus on making the
smart decisions and helping themselves become better people. The essence of Brody’s argument is that the
addict must learn to acquire such knowledge that Socrates preaches about. (47)
It is often said that addiction is a
disease of the mind in which a persons being is consumed by one idea (24). In this
section of Brody’s article: Addicts, Mythmakers, and Philosophers; he dives
into the case study of Thad and looks to find solutions to his addiction through
numerous techniques. Socrates’ ideals emphasize knowledge and how the knowledgeable
person avoids these types of addictive situations.
Brody, Alan. "Addicts, Mythmakers, and Philosophers." Philosophy Now. Philosophy Now: 2012. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
Graff, Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel Durst. They
Say I Say. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2015.
I like how you put the focus of your argument on the idea of addicts becoming more knowledgable about their addiction before making decisions. Also, I think you accurately provided a brief explanation for what Socrates believed before introducing your argument. This gives readers a better understanding of what you are trying to explain.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you believe that the addicts are ignorant? Do you have this universal ideal for all addicts? Are some concious to alternatives and/or "better options?" Also if knowledge is power in the optional disease of addiction, is ignorance ever bliss?
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