The Socratic Practice Of “Care of the Self” (Epimeleia Heautou) and the Coaching Process

Abstract

In this paper I present a comparative analysis of the knowledge discovery process applied by Socrates and the contemporary life coach. On one hand, I will use the method of in-depth analysis of selected (Socratic) dialogues by Plato, and on the other one of coaching practice and coaching values formulated by the International Coach Federation. The term “care of the self” (epimeleia heautou) appears in the Socratic dialogues, Alkibiades I and Apology of Socrates, and this term is juxtaposed with the coaching idea of “being resourceful”. “Taking care of yourself” 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 elements that are shared by both the Socratic method and modern life coaching: establishing a relationship, a purpose and relevant questions. The analysis of each of these elements leads us to the conclusion that the key value of coaching, “the resourceful state of the coach and the coachee”, has its roots in ancient philosophy – in the wisdom of Socrates.

Keywords

• life coaching
• socrates
• resourceful state
• epimeleia heautou
• coaching relationship