Final answer:
Socrates believed that an unexamined life, one without self-reflection and critical questioning, does not reach the full potential of human reasoning and is therefore not worth living. Engaging in self-examination and the pursuit of knowledge through reasoned analysis provides depth and meaning, aligning with the intrinsic human quest for wisdom and virtue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Socrates famously declared that "an unexamined life is not worth living", which fundamentally encapsulates his commitment to living a philosophical life wherein self-reflection, moral contemplation, and the pursuit of wisdom are primary endeavors. Socrates advocated for self-examination and believed that only through rigorous questioning and reasoning can one live a life of virtue and true understanding. He saw an unexamined life as one lacking in self-awareness, without understanding of one's own beliefs or the reasons behind them. Underlining this point, Socrates suggests that we should strive to know ourselves, our nature, and our place in the cosmos, emphasizing both ethical reflection and the interrogation of the natural world as components of a meaningful, philosophical quest for knowledge.
For Socrates, the process of examination entails a critical analysis of our beliefs, challenging ourselves to be consistent and to seek justifications for our ideas. Failure to conduct such an examination results in a life guided by untested, unjustified notions, which Socrates finds undesirable. Through his dialectical method, which involves rigorous dialogue and questioning, Socrates exemplifies the type of philosophical investigation he values, one that leads to greater wisdom and understanding of moral truths, both in relation to oneself and the broader natural world.
Ultimately, the process of living an examined life is intrinsically valuable because it aligns with the human capacity to reason, reflect, and understand. Socrates's belief in self-examination aligns with the principle of 'know thyself,' which can be seen as a command to comprehend one's own beliefs and limitations before trying to understand others or the world. The examined life is therefore not just a personal exercise; it is a fundamental aspect of what makes a good life in the Socratic sense, as it adds depth and meaning to our existence and enables the cultivation of virtue.