Examining Assumptions Series, Ep. 1: Socrates (in the Gorgias)

Socrates on Man 

The Statement to be Examined

Socrates said, in the Gorgias, that "every man is his own ruler." In this statement, we have at least three assumptions to be pointed out:

• first assumption: man or man's life can be or even is to be ruled
• second assumption: man can rule himself or his life
• third assumption: other people should not rule you or your life

Explaining the Assumptions

Let us start with the first assumption. The first assumption is that, "man or man's life can be or even is to be ruled." This assumption is made clear by the statement that if man is his own ruler then man or man's life is the one to be ruled by himself. To be a ruler requires something to rule upon. And in the given statement, "man is his own ruler" it implies that that something which man has to rule upon is himself or his life.

Then, let us move on to the second assumption. The second assumption is that, "man can rule himself or his life." This assumption is made clear by the statement that if man is his own ruler then this reveals that man has the capability of ruling. And in this case ruling his own self or his own life. To be able to rule, one needs the capability to rule. Because, the capability to rule is made apparent, then, man can rule himself or his life.

Lastly, let us explain on the third assumption. The third assumption is that, "other people should not rule you or your life." This assumption is made clear by the statement that if every man is his own ruler then every man is only a ruler of his own and not of other people. Which, then, means that other people cannot or should not rule your self or your life. Because, you have your own and others have their own. And, our business - as far as the statement is concerned - is only and should only be our own.

Examining the Assumptions

Now we examine the first assumption. Is this assumption true or not? For me, it is true. Man or man's life is truly to be ruled or governed. Man or man's life, if not ruled or governed, will be good for nothing. We cannot be happy. We cannot achieve what we desire in life. We cannot live smoothly. We cannot be ordered. We cannot be settled. In other words, if man or man's life is left unruled or ungoverned it will be out of control - chaotic, problems will surely arise. Who would prefer a self or life that is chaotic? I think none. And that is the reason why man or man's life is truly to be ruled or governed. 

Next, we examine the second assumption. Is this assumption true or not? For me, again it is true. Man can truly rule - in this case himself and/or his life. His power or capacity to rule rests on his rationality. With his reason, man can distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong. Consequently, man can decide what to do based on his knowledge of what is good and evil, right and wrong. So, with the capacity to choose - to make decisions - man can truly rule himself and/or his life. Man can choose what he will do with himself and his life in view of what is good or not, right or wrong for himself and for others. 

Lastly, we examine the third assumption. Is this assumption true or not? For me, again it is true. Truly, other poeple should not rule another man and/or other's life. Other people should not outrule you on yourself or on your life. Because, in the first place, you have and own the power to rule yourself and your life. By virtue of this power or capacity, you are ought to be respected - to be respected of your own autonomy. So, even though that others would try to rule you or your life, it will not change the fact that you hold the power over yourself. This means, that you still have the choice not to be affected by others. At the end of the day, you will always have the choice.

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