True or False: The concept of universals is essential in Socratic philosophy.

The concept of universals is indeed essential in Socratic philosophy. Socrates, through his dialectical method and discussions, sought to uncover the general ideas or characteristics that encompass various specific instances. This search for universals can be seen in his inquiries about virtues, such as justice or goodness, where he aimed to define these concepts in a way that transcends individual examples. In doing so, Socrates laid groundwork for philosophical discussions on abstract entities and categories, which are foundational to various areas in philosophy. The significance of universals in Socratic thought contributes to deeper explorations into ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, illustrating why the assertion regarding their essential role is true.