logy" 217). Regardless if Socrates would ever find anyone wiser than himself through inquiry, he believed that the life of inquiry was the most philosophical, and therefore the most divine("Apology" 220). Oedipus too, seems to believe this as he spends a great majority of the play asking questions to anyone he suspects potentially has any information. Oedipus questions everyone that approaches him and questions every scenario that confronts him. Oedipus constantly asks questions, "How can we cleanse ourselves- what rites? What's the source of the trouble?"(164). Whether it is Jocasta or the messenger that Oedipus is speaking with, he is constantly and desperately trying to discover Laius' murderer, and later his own identity. The most obvious and practical use of this inquiry is to acquire new knowledge so that intellect can be strengthened. It is obvious that Oedipus is eager to solve his problems. He is all too eager to find the killer of Laius, his statement "I'll bring it all to light myself!"(167) illustrates his unwavering determination for answers. As Oedipus uses his intellect to analyze the information he has, his desire for answers only becomes stronger. His desire becomes strongest when Jocasta urges Oedipus not to pursue his past any further, Oedipus ignores her request stating "I must know it all, must see the truth at last."(222). Oedipus seems to be constantly using his intellect to determine the best method to accomplish his goals. Most of his decisions are made by weighing all of his options and finding the best choice, he calculates the best option in regard to the scenario. During the beginning of the play, Oedipus says, "I have wept through the nights, you must know that, groping, laboring over many paths of thought. After a painful search I found one cure. . . ."(162). This shows the extent he labors himself to determine these calculations. 5The second tool that Oedipus uses to strengthen his intel...
