Socrates, an Athenian philosopher, was a curious man. His questions brought an entire new perspective into people’s lives, leading some to become inspired and innovative. “The unexamined life is not worth living,” (Doc. 1) Socrates had once said, continuing to support the concepts of innovation and knowledge. Ironically though, Socrates was put to death because of some of his thoughts.
Is Socrates a Believable Character? Socrates, as most know, is a man famous for offending Athenian beliefs during 4th century BC. Philosophy was not accepted at this time therefore many believed Socrates rambled on about nonsense. Although this seemed like nonsense to people living in Athens at the time, Socrates still voiced his opinion as his love for philosophy was more important then what was said of him. As history shows, Socrates is a believable character as the Apology written by Plato has many examples showing he truly is philosophical and wise.
I admire his belief that one must concentrate more on self-development than on materialistic things and his view that virtues are the most powerful of all possessions. Since Socrates wrote nothing most of what we know of him comes from his disciple Plato, who wrote Socrates’ teachings in works called Dialogues. In this we learn about his creation of the Socratic method, which is a form of debate between individuals based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking. He is best recognized for inventing the teaching practice of pedagogy, wherein a teacher questions a student in a manner that draws out the correct response. I imagine that we would discuss the challenges he faced with the Athenians due to his ideals, which weren’t accepted in that time.
Around 400 BC Plato, one of Socrates greatest admirers, wrote a dialog of the speech Socrates makes at the trial where he was accused of not recognizing the gods that the state recognized, and for corrupting the youth of Athens. Socrates is brought before a jury to defend his case and uses the method of cross-examination to prove his argument. Throughout the duration of the trial, Socrates uses concrete evidence and his distinctive logical to prove to his accusers that he is innocent. Instead, Socrates establishes a strong argument for his claim that he is essentially one of the most positive influences on the youth while recognizing that the gods do exist. Before Socrates went to trial to prove his innocence, in addition to already believing he was the wisest in all of Athens, he confirmed his assumption by asking the oracle.
"Socrates Today" Although, Socrates lived thousands of years ago, he can still relate to modern day society. His teachings and wisdom can touch many people in many ways, but only the people that are open to his ideologies can be affected by his teachings. Mordecai Roshwald in "Socrates Today" discusses Socrates current reputation, how it is brought about, how Roshwald wants to alter it, whom Roshwald is addressing and his own personal values, and finally the way he uses in-text persuasiveness to affect people. Roshwald describes Socrates reputation in that he is not valued and potentially hated, since he believed in talking to others. In addition, he believed in having the exchange of ideas between two human beings.
During the course of reading Euthyphro, the idea of doing what is right became the overall goal for what Socrates was trying to argue. Though to one such as myself, I would easily define it as doing what is morally good according to a just law. However, after reading this dialogue, there would seem to be many loop-holes that could be argued against my understanding. The whole dialogue of this section concerns how a man named Euthyphro is supposed proceed against his father in civil court, and how Socrates see's this as morally wrong. How he asserts his disposition is through asking Euthyphro to give his reasoning behind his actions, and constantly disagreeing with him through more questions which lead into more universal idea's such as
His investigations into the men that claimed wisdom brought about much hostility against him. The real issue in his trial is not “criminal meddling” or that he taught his pupils to disbelieve in the gods or to “make the weaker argument defeat the stronger,” but is really his life style or philosophical life and is that these investigations expose the fact that his accusers pretend knowledge when they are ignorant and they have their reputations to protect as being learned men. The revelations of Socrates could also bring about the loss of power and worth of the ruling class, which relied on tradition and the acceptance of the people and would affect the faith in the gods that were accepted by the state as the one true religion. Wisdom according to Socrates is that in respect to wisdom, you are worthless. He felt that wisdom of the Gods was true and relevant and that of humans was not even comparable.
What's important is what lies beyond names and beyond questions.” These obscure remarks prompt Dan to give the man the name 'Socrates'. This mysterious man later becomes his mentor (this is part of the departure stage of the hero's journey; a mentor). Dan begins going on imaginary journey's. Socrates' approach as a teacher is an indication that experience is the best teacher and sometimes getting one's pride hurt is the only way to
One famous philosopher is Socrates. He believed that all knowledge was found within (Document 1). “The unexamined life is not worth living.” By this quote he means if one reasons and learns she or she is more likely to have a better life and be more cautious with decisions. On the other hand, the Socrates Method was created by Socrates. In this method, it used a question-and-answer format to lead pupils to see things for themselves by using their own reasons.
Plato’s theory of forms is unconvincing discuss Plato was a duellist and thus believed that there are two worlds; the material world and the world of ideas/Forms. The world of ideas or Forms is the true reality and the world of appearances is just reflections of world of Forms. Plato believed that our knowledge of the Forms was a priori which means that our souls knew the Forms before it was inside us, therefore we have knowledge prior to experiencing the objects with our senses. Plato believes everyone is born with an intuitive but imperfect understanding of the Forms. He also believes the philosopher is able, through using his intellect, to achieve true knowledge of the abstract Forms without using his senses.