Final answer:
Socrates considered himself wise because he recognized the extent of his own ignorance, which can be considered a form of divine wisdom, rather than practical or theoretical wisdom. This self-awareness is fundamental to his ethical teachings and underscores the importance of Socrates's method of engaging in a dialectical process, aiming for moral improvement and the virtuous life.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Socrates, the type of wisdom he possesses is one that is profoundly self-aware, acknowledging the limits of human understanding. Through his philosophical inquiries, Socrates concluded that he was wise in the sense that he recognized his own ignorance. This is not practical wisdom, which refers to knowledge on how to act, nor is it theoretical wisdom, which involves abstract understanding of the world. Instead, it can be seen as a form of divine wisdom, insofar as it aligns with the oracle's proclamation and reflects a divine-like insight into the fundamental limitations of human knowledge.
The foundation of Socratic wisdom lies in the famous proclamation 'I know that I know nothing'. This statement encapsulates Socratic irony and the essence of the Socratic method: through questioning, he exposes the lack of true knowledge amongst those who claimed to possess it. The Socratic method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue, is used to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. This approach has made Socrates a paradigmatic historical philosopher and is still relevant today, as it highlights the importance of self-examination and humility in the pursuit of knowledge.
The wisdom of Socrates is deeply connected to his ethical views. He held that virtue is the highest good and that all wrongdoing stems from ignorance. Therefore, wisdom for Socrates is also morally charged, aiming for the improvement of the soul and the pursuit of the virtuous life. Furthermore, Socrates's consistent practice of questioning and seeking the truth up to his execution demonstrates his commitment to his philosophical mission.