SOCRATES CONTEMPORARY Socrates, who lived in Greece in the 5th century BC, was the first major philosopher

in Western society. There were other philosophers before Socrates, but the significance and importance of his philosophic system were widely publicized in the ancient world, and had a vast impact on the foundations of Democratic society. One of the key concepts in the philosophical system that Socrates taught is the idea of knowing oneself in order to properly understand the world in which we live. While he may not have originated this concept, he was instrumental in making it a central pillar of Western thought. The situation today is different. Individuation requires a conscious return to the mythological perspective and beyond, for an inner relationship and the self and a sense of wholeness. Socrates and Plato were closer to mythology and the mystery of life than Aristotle and are therefore particularly relevant to depth psychology. In this light, it is significant that Platos dialogues on the soul and inner expe3riences are the cornerstone of his philosophy. Socrates has been invoked by a wide range of recent philosopher, educationalists, psychologists, and political theorists, and they are almost unanimous in their praise. The Socratic Method is most important for its capacity to further civic education, by helping students learn the critical thinking skills and habits necessary for political participation in a pluralist democracy. And I admire is curious and confidently humble, he is eager to enter into dialogue with others, even without expecting a final truth. He is an attractive model for civic engagement and his method developments analytic skills which are invaluable for a modern democracy. The method of Socrates becomes a way to with diversity and flourishes it. He says that nothing comes into being because then it would have come from nothing. Everything that is must always have been. Teachers can use the Socratic Method in a variety of subject areas and across grade levels in order to challenge students to examine both contemporary and historical issues. In modeling the practice of Socrates, the teacher questions students

in a manner that requires them to consider how they rationalize and respond about topics. Copeland explains that it is important for teachers to clarify that these questions are not intended to create an environment of judgment, but rather to help students examine their attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and logic. It is imperative for teachers to establish guidelines to help students understand their roles and responsibilities in the Socratic discussion. To be authentic one needs to recognize authenticity and what it is. Authenticity can be a feeling, an act, an achievement and a belief. Both objects and people can be said to be authentic, or rather people label some things as more authentic than others. But what is it? Authenticity is recognition of truth and "truth" is relative to our relationship with it. If I choose to be authentic, then I choose to believe, accept and act in a way that is true to myself and of what I want to become. I believe that the good life as promoted by the ancient philosophers is way superior to our recent concept of what good life. Reason should be at its very core in order to promote a society not just inhabited by humans but a more humane one. In order to achieve the highest end of a good life, it is not enough to just pamper oneself. Steps should be taken to enhance relationships with others and most importantly, nurture the spirit. Body, mind and spirit should have equal focus, not just one or the other. Improving all three aspects would enable the person to enjoy a holistic view to the good life. Contemporary advertising in order to be really effective should promote not just the physical but more so the more essential invisible aspects of man mind and spirit.