Socratic Intellectualism and the Identity of Knowledge and Virtue: Foundations of Rational Ethics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21721193Keywords:
Socratic ethics, virtue as knowledge, moral epistemology, ethical leadership, business ethics, dialectic method, moral autonomy.Abstract
This study examines the philosophical foundations of Socratic ethics and explores their relevance for contemporary discussions in business ethics and ethical leadership. The research focuses on the central principle of Socratic intellectualism - the identification of virtue with knowledge - and analyzes its implications for rational models of ethical decision-making. Through historical-philosophical and conceptual analysis of classical sources and modern interpretations, the study investigates the epistemological relationship between knowledge, moral reasoning, and ethical behavior.
The article further examines the role of dialectical inquiry as a methodological instrument for critical reflection and ethical deliberation. By interpreting Socratic philosophy as an early cognitive framework of moral reasoning, the study highlights the significance of self-knowledge, rational inquiry, and moral autonomy in the formation of ethical judgment.
In addition to its philosophical analysis, the paper discusses the relevance of Socratic ethics for contemporary organizational contexts, emphasizing its implications for ethical leadership, responsible decision-making, and the development of moral competence within modern institutions. The findings suggest that Socratic intellectualism offers a valuable conceptual foundation for understanding the cognitive dimensions of ethical leadership and the role of knowledge in shaping responsible organizational behavior.
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