Candidate for Wise Person

Abstract

The article is a writing aimed at answering the question: What a philosopher is supposed to be? It considers the beginnings of Greek thought, but from the perspective of our time. The answer focuses on the Greek term Θεωρία and on considerations regarding the richness of the pragmatic context that this term provides for a genealogy of philosophical attitude. Particularly, according to the interpretation of classical texts, why considering that an analysis of what the term Θεωρία, involved might throw light on some features that were crucial for the consolidation of the way of living that is characteristic of philosophers? The suggestion is to consider that in the term Θεορείν there is a pragmatic overlapping of observation, memory, imagination and intelligence, which allows the term to be the vehicle of a new form of experience. That new attitude characterizes the standpoint of the philosopher towards both the active, practical life, and the contemplative, intellectual one. Therefore, it should be considered as the first step in the path towards wisdom.