As history shows, Socrates is a believable character as the Apology written by Plato has many examples showing he truly is philosophical and wise. In sections 21a, and 28e, examples can be found of what it means to be philosophical from the view of God and Socrates and how he fits the profile. Sections 33b, and 33d, can be used as examples of how Socrates’ wisdom has influenced those who chose to learn from him. Lastly in section 29b, and 32a Socrates speaks the truth and part of philosophy means to investigate the truth, therefore by him speaking (of) the truth it makes him wise. In 4th century BC Gods and oracles play a big role in society as they have a huge influence on how people choose to live and act.
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.
Ironically though, Socrates was put to death because of some of his thoughts. Apparently, a too examined life was also not worth living through the eyes of his executioner(s). This shows a strong tie to religion and the limiting factors of Greek civilization. Despite all the ostracizing, philosophy was destined to expand. Aristotle was one of the many who continued the tradition.
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
In the beginning of Book I, Socrates convinces Cephelus and Polemarchus that justice is not only doing good to friends and wrong to enemies nor is it only useful in certain aspects of life. Rather, justice is something that should be in every aspect of your life. But when Thracymachus questions this theory by saying justice only benefits some, Socrates (and Plato) is forced to clarify. He goes on to explain why justice is beneficial to every type of person. He explains that the strong can only be powerful when they make just choices, otherwise they will be overthrown by a united majority.
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.
One of the most influential people in Rome was Marcus Cicero, a great philopsoper as we say and exam most of his work today we see a story of a honored and respected man as well as loyal, but his loyalty would prove to be his greatest downfall and which would lead to his exicution. (pg. 149) Rome was built of lawyers, judges, and philosophers. (pg. 149) The romans were more practical thinkers and philosophers.
This staple of his beliefs is why he doesn't fear death, but in fact looks forward to it. By escaping he is committing an unjust act against the state, and committing unjust acts ruins the soul. With a ruined soul there is no point in living life as the soul is the only important thing, not the body. Therefore the most important thing is not only living life, but living a just life. While Socrates arguments may be sound in his opinion, I'm not sure if I agree with them.
Thucydides, Greek historian as well as a participant, writes of The Peloponnesian War and offers insight into the Athenians thoughts on why they feel it appropriate to ignore what others consider to be just or right. The Athenians believe that mere strength and power automatically grants them the authority to do as they wish and qualifies those actions as justice; and likewise those who are weaker are left no alternative than to endure what is dealt them (Newton). It is imperative to the Athenians that their subjects never think them weak, so when the Melians offered to maintain a neutral position, in order to avoid becoming involved in the ongoing dispute between the Athenian empire and the Spartan led Peloponnesian League; the Athenian’s response was an absolute no. Justice, in this case, was seen as something that was called for by the Melians, the weaker of two parties, only as a vehicle for self-preservation, and nothing more.
Many people know the name Aristotle and that his ideas and beliefs are well known, however, people do not know anything about him or the ideas and beliefs he taught. Aristotle lived more than two-thousand years ago. He was a Greek philosopher that studied under Plato. Aristotle was Plato’s most brilliant student and thought that he would take over Plato’s academy after he passed away. Unfortunately for Aristotle, that did not happen.