THE SOCRATIC PRACTICE OF “CARE OF THE SELF” (EPIMELEIA HEAUTOU) AND THE COACHING PROCESS
THE SOCRATIC PRACTICE OF “CARE OF THE SELF” (EPIMELEIA HEAUTOU) AND THE COACHING PROCESS

Summary/Abstract: In this paper I present a comparative analysis of the knowledge discovery process applied by Socrates and thecontemporary life coach. On one hand, I will use the method of in-depth analysis of selected (Socratic) dialoguesby Plato, and on the other one of coaching practice and coaching values formulated by the International CoachFederation. The term “care of the self” (epimeleia heautou) appears in the Socratic dialogues, Alkibiades I andApology of Socrates, and this term is juxtaposed with the coaching idea of “being resourceful”. “Taking care ofyourself” is about constantly gaining knowledge about yourself. This knowledge is extracted by Socrates and,in contemporary terms, by a life coach. The process of uncovering knowledge involves certain key elementsthat are shared by both the Socratic method and modern life coaching: establishing a relationship, a purposeand relevant questions. The analysis of each of these elements leads us to the conclusion that the key valueof coaching, “the resourceful state of the coach and the coachee”, has its roots in ancient philosophy  – in thewisdom of Socrates.

• Details
• Contents