The three filters of Socrates

The three filters of Socrates refer to an anecdote from the great Greek philosopher that has survived to this day.. It is considered a great life lesson, which applies particularly to those situations in which gossip and rumor prevail.

This story is also a powerful tool to improve our way of relating to others. Therefore, in this article, we will delve into it and teach you how to apply these three Socratic principles in your daily life.

What are the three filters of Socrates?

The story of the 3 filters of Socrates tells that on one occasion one of his disciples arrived in a great state of agitation. He told the philosopher that he had met one of his friends and that he had spoken ill of him with great malevolence.

Hearing this, Socrates asked him to calm down. After thinking for a moment, he asked her to wait a minute and told her that before listening to what he had to tell her, The message had to pass through Socrates’ three filters. If he did not overcome them, the message It was not worth listening to.

First filter: the truth

As was customary in Socrates’ lectures, the Greek sage asked his eager disciple a question. This question was: “Are you absolutely sure that what you are going to tell me is true?” ?» The disciple thought for a moment.

In reality, he couldn’t be sure if what was there was true. It was all a matter of perspective. “So you don’t know if everything is true or not,” said the philosopher. The disciple had to admit no.

Second filter: kindness

Then the great Greek teacher asked a second question: «Is what you are going to tell me good or not?” The disciple replied that, of course, it was nothing good. Quite the opposite. What he had to tell her were words that, in his opinion, would cause her discomfort and distress.

Socrates then pointed out: “You’re going to tell me something bad, but you’re not entirely sure it’s true.”. The disciple admitted that it was so.

Third filter: utility

To finish, Socrates had to ask a third question and he did so. He said: «Will what you have to tell me be of any use to me? ?» The disciple hesitated. In reality, he didn’t know if that information would be useful to him or not. Maybe it would just distance him from that friend, but considering it wasn’t known whether it was true or not, maybe knowing wasn’t helpful.

Truth, goodness and usefulness

The anecdote of the three filters of Socrates tells that in the end the philosopher refused to listen to what his disciple wanted to tell him. «If what you want to tell me is not true, not good, and not even useful, why would I want to know? ?»he said in conclusion.

Truth, goodness and usefulness are the three filters of Socrates. In the philosopher’s opinion, these are the questions that every person should ask themselves before saying something. The first: “Am I sure that what I am going to say is true?”; the second: “Is what I am going to say good?”, and the third: “Does it need to be said?”

This triple filter is an excellent guide, both for what we are going to say and for what we are going to listen to.. It represents a set of parameters around what is healthy and constructive communication. Therefore, this story remains valid despite the passage of centuries.

How to apply the 3 filters of Socrates

In everyday life it is not easy to define what is true, what is good and what is necessary.. They are abstract concepts that are sometimes difficult to apply. Therefore, there are also some additional questions that help apply Socrates’ 3 filters. These questions are:

Faced with the truth

Do I know? Before divulging information about other people’s lives, first ask yourself if what you are saying is true. If it was something you heard from one person who heard it from another, you better be cautious. May I try it on? Test the veracity of what you know. Look for evidence for or against before spreading an unnecessary rumor. Don’t rely on unreliable people.Would you be able to hold it up to anyone? Think about whether you will be able to defend your position or the information you have about the other person in front of them, or in front of a group of skeptics. If you are not, better not share it.Would I be willing to risk my reputation for this? There is nothing more important than honor and reputation. If you are not willing to lose them, it is better not to continue spreading the gossip you heard about. Remember that your credibility is at stake.

In front of the good

Does it benefit or make the other person or myself feel better? Critically evaluate whether you will disclose something negative just to gain personal satisfaction. If so, reflect on this need and work on your goodness.Will it awaken positive emotions? Think about the feelings you will generate in your neighbor. If you will make him suffer and experience negative consequences because of the rumor you shared, then be discreet and do not share what you now know.Will it demonstrate my virtues? Reflect on whether what you want to share reflects the kind of human being you are or want to be. Avoid doing things that are not in tune with your virtues.

Compared to what is necessary or useful

Will that person’s life or my life improve? Analyze the practical value that what you will say will have. In case it does not enrich the life of the other or yours, it is better to keep what you know to yourself.Will that person be able to take some practical action with that information or message? If that message is of no use to anyone, and if it only fuels an unfounded rumor, then avoid spreading it.How does not knowing hurt or affect you? Think about the consequences of omitting information. When the act of hiding it harms the other person’s life or reputation, it is worth publishing it, otherwise it is better to say nothing.

Socrates’ filters against gossip

As we noted at the beginning, Socrates’ three filters are particularly oriented toward rumors or gossip. By applying them, it is possible to stop those annoying gossips at work, school, community, family, etc.

However, All of this is also valid for other types of messages: those we receive through the media and social networks.. Much of the information circulating out there is also of a dubious and unhealthy nature.

Before finishing, it is necessary to mention that although this is a quite beautiful story that brings with it a powerful message for our daily lives, there is no historical or bibliographic information that relates the anecdote to the Greek philosopher.

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