Bitter Knowledge

<p>Thomas Eisele explores the premise that the Socratic method of inquiry need not teach only negative lessons (showing us what we do not know but not what we do know). Instead Eisele contends the Socratic method is cyclical: we start negatively by recognizing our illusions but end positively through a process of recollection performed in response to our disillusionment which ultimately leads to renewal. Thus a positive lesson about our resources as philosophical investigators as students and teachers becomes available to participants in Socrates' robust conversational inquiry. <i>Bitter Knowledge</i> includes Eisele's detailed readings of Socrates' teaching techniques in three fundamental Platonic dialogues Protagoras Meno and Theaetetus as well as his engagement with contemporary authorities such as Gregory Vlastos Martha Nussbaum and Stanley Cavell. Written in a highly engaging and accessible style this book will appeal to students and scholars in philosophy classics law rhetoric and education.</p>